A DOUBLE-decker bus has burst into flames on a major road sending plumes of black smoke high into the sky.
The bus was pictured engulfed in a blaze on the eastbound carriageway of the A13 near Purfleet, Essex, this morning, leading to the shutting of the road, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.
X/@wickofwar83The bus has been entirely gutted by the blaze[/caption]
X/@wickofwar83The A13 was closed eastbound while fire crews attended the scene[/caption]
X/@wickofwar83The cause of the fire is not yet known[/caption]
Two of the three eastbound lanes currently remain closed on the route close to the junction with the A1306 New Road, with queues backing up for nearly three miles.
Witness Colin Neale Jr, 32, who was flying a light aircraft in the Thurrock area, said he suddenly saw a “huge plume of smoke” rising up into the air when travelling near the road.
He told The Sun: “I could see the vehicle in flames.
“As I got closer, it became clear it was a double-decker London bus.
“It’s been completely destroyed.”
He said he saw multiple fire engines and police cars at the scene.
Traffic has built up for miles as the accident has blocked much of the road, with Colin saying motorists are “backing up towards London”.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called at 0903 this morning to reports of a double-decker bus alight on the A13 near Wennington.
“Firefighters have attended and extinguished a fire that damaged most of the bus.
“There have been no reports of any injuries.
“The A13 eastbound carriageway was closed to allow crews to work safely.
“Two fire engines from Wennington and Dagenham fire stations attended the scene, alongside Essex County Fire & Rescue Service.”
The Sun understands that no passengers were on the bus and that the driver left the vehicle safely before fire crews arrived.
Transport for London has been approached for comment.
UKNIPThe bus was engulfed in flames on the side of the A13 near Purfleet earlier this morning[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
