Road closed after bus fire in East Grinstead: dramatic photos show smoke filling London Road

Reader Annie Lyons sent in some dramatic photos of the incident showing the street filled with smoke and the devastated back end of a Metrobus.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “At 2.15pm we were called to a vehicle fire at London Road, East Grinstead.

“Joint Fire Control sent fire engines from East Grinstead and Haywards Heath to the scene, as well as fire engines from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

“Upon arrival crews found one bus well alight and Sussex Police were requested to assist with closing the road.

“The bus had been evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire service.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels and a thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire, which was of accidental ignition.”

Crews were stood down and left the scene at 4pm, said West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

Nick Hill, commercial director at Metrobus said: “The fire started in the engine compartment of the bus while it was stationary at a bus stop on London Road, East Grinstead, damaging the rear.

“Our driver successfully evacuated the small number of passengers on board and contacted the fire brigade immediately.

“Nobody was injured, and we are currently investigating the cause.”

Video: watch the moment this Cuckfield cliff jumper performs a double-flip from 100 feet in Dartmoor.

Visit our homepage at www.sussexexpress.co.uk for more breaking news.