Double-decker e-bus caught fire in London, Go-Ahead is investigating causes

Source of opening picture: Youtube channel of The Times and The Sunday Times 

Go-Ahead London is currently conducting an urgent investigation into a fire incident that occurred on one of its electric buses on 11th January 2024, trade media Bus and Coach Buyer reports.

The fire caused damage to a portion of a double-decker electric bus. “The double-decker, identified as an Optare Metrodecker, caught fire at around 7.20am on Wimbledon Hill Road in Wimbledon. The bus was in service on Route 200 travelling towards Raynes Park”, Bus and Coach Buyer says.

Go-Ahead had just been celebrating 10 years of electric bus operation in London: the company operates 520 zero emission buses on behalf of TfL and expects to increase this number to 1,000 by the end of 2026 – account for almost half the company’s fleet. According to plans, Go-Ahead’s entire fleet of 5,000 UK buses will be converted to zero emission vehicles by 2035. It’s just one of the pillars of the company’s strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2045.

Go-Ahead fire from an electric bus: no injuries

The London Fire Brigade dispatched three fire engines and approximately 15 firefighters to contain and extinguish the blaze. As a precautionary measure, a 25-meter cordon was established, and road closures were enforced. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries resulting from the incident as passengers were evacuated in time.

An ongoing investigation by the London Fire Brigade is seeking to determine the cause of the fire. Go-Ahead London said it is actively collaborating with relevant authorities to gather facts and insights into the incident. The Transport for London (TfL) is also engaged in the investigation, working closely with both the operator and the bus manufacturer, Switch Mobility, to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the fire. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.