A SECOND serious bus incident in eight months has sparked concerns about public transport and road safety in Coventry.
An aggressive blaze on a double-decker bus was put out by West Midlands firefighters on Keresley Road on Tuesday evening.
Concerned residents shared images and videos of the fire service’s dramatic actions to put out the fire on the number 16 National Express bus.
The response from the fire service was widely praised and no one was injured.
It took half an hour for two fire engines to extinguish the blaze that had badly disrupted traffic on the Keresley Road.
It is also understood a section of the road remained closed throughout today.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
An ominous cloud of smoke rose from the back of the bus and engulfed the sky around the scene of the fire.
Keresley Road had to be cordoned off between Norman Place Road and Tamworth Road.
A National Express spokeswoman said: “All our passengers got off the bus safely and we have had no reported injuries.
“West Midlands Fire Service came to the scene and we are giving them every assistance with their investigation into this incident.
“National Express Coventry apologises for any disruption caused.”
It has been reported that an investigation has been launched by National Express to determine the cause of the fire.
This may not reassure many residents or officials who have called into question the safety of the buses and their busy routes.
Coventry councillor Glenn Williams tweeted: “No-one hurt thankfully and residents report that all emergency services and Council acted quickly.”
The next day he tweeted again: “Twice in 8 months the no. 16 has caused chaos on Keresley Rd.
“In March a house was destroyed by one.
“It’s through luck no-one was killed.”
Sarah Lewis, who was driving home from work when she spotted the flaming bus, said: “I got there just before the fire brigade, who did an excellent job of putting the flames out in seconds.
“I pulled over as I wasn’t totally convinced anybody had called the emergency services – I thought they were too busy filming, but firefighters showed up as I got out the car.”
An onlooker tweeted an image with the caption: “a bus was really on fire in my city today, only in Coventry.”
Others took to Facebook to comment on the developments.
One regular bus rider commented: “Are you kidding me… that’s my normal bus and I got the one before it.”
Another relieved grand-mother commented: “my stepson and grand kids was on this bus when it happened but managed to get out without injury thank god.”
The Observer contacted the West Midlands Fire Service for comment but received no response.
