Electric Bus Fire at London Depot Under Investigation After Blaze During Heatwave

An investigation has been launched after an electric double-decker bus caught fire at a London depot during the capital's record-breaking heatwave, destroying the vehicle and damaging charging infrastructure.

The incident happened on Wednesday evening at First Bus London's Westbourne Park depot in west London, where flames rapidly engulfed a Route 23 bus while it was parked at the site.

London Fire Brigade deployed crews from North Kensington and Paddington fire stations after receiving emergency calls shortly after 6.20pm. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in less than an hour, although they remained at the depot afterwards to ensure the area was safe.

The bus was completely destroyed, while two electric vehicle charging units were also severely damaged. No injuries have been reported.

Large plumes of smoke were visible across parts of west London, with the fire seen from several miles away, including spectators attending the England women's international cricket match at Lord's.

As a precaution, nearby Westbourne Park Underground station temporarily closed while emergency services dealt with the incident. Train services resumed after the station reopened later in the evening.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established and investigations are now underway.

The incident is the latest involving electric buses in the capital. In early 2024, Transport for London temporarily withdrew a fleet of electric buses operating on Route 200 after a vehicle caught fire in Wimbledon during the morning peak.

Around the same period, firefighters were also called to another electric bus fire at a garage in Putney, prompting further scrutiny of battery-powered public transport vehicles.

Despite the isolated incidents, London's transition to zero-emission buses continues at pace, with Transport for London investing heavily in electrifying the capital's bus fleet as part of its wider strategy to reduce transport emissions and improve air quality.