Bedminster Down bus fire: Woman watches in shock as bus catches fire outside her house

The heat from the blaze melted the guttering on Gaye Russell’s home
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A woman has recalled the moment a bus went up in flames outside her home in Bedminster Down - as Avon Fire and Rescue released a statement on the blaze at lunchtime today.

A full investigation has started following the fire involving a number 75 service First bus on Bishopsworth Road at around 11.55am, said First West of England, which added all passengers were quickly and safely evacuated by the driver.

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Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles around, while at the scene residents watched in shock as flames burst out the back of the double decker bus. Among those nearby was Gaye Russell, whose house was just three metres away from the bus.

The fire gutted the back of the number 75 bus in Bedminster Down (credit: Gaye Russell)The fire gutted the back of the number 75 bus in Bedminster Down (credit: Gaye Russell)
The fire gutted the back of the number 75 bus in Bedminster Down (credit: Gaye Russell)

The healthcare support worker, who has lived on the road for 20 years, said: “I was coming back from my mum’s when I saw the bus pulled over and everyone who was on board outside - the driver was at the front and ringing the fire brigade.

“Then the bus caught fire and I ran down the road to stop drivers coming up from The Cross Hands pub. A few others helped as well as people at the other end.

“It was a relief the driver got everyone off the bus as the flames were intense, so much so that they melted the guttering at the front of my house. The fire crews pulled it down afterwards and inspected the home.

Second picture of the bus taken by Gaye Russell, whose house is three metres from the vehicleSecond picture of the bus taken by Gaye Russell, whose house is three metres from the vehicle
Second picture of the bus taken by Gaye Russell, whose house is three metres from the vehicle

“I’m just glad everyone is ok and safe.”

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Following the fire, pictures and videos of the fire were shared on social media showing the extent of the blaze, and the height of black smoke from it.

What First West of England said

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that there was a fire on the 75 service at Bishopsworth Road in Bedminster Down at approximately 11.55 this morning.

“Passengers were quickly and safely evacuated by the driver and there were no injuries. The fire service was in attendance. A full investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out.”

What Avon Fire and Rescue said

Crews from Temple, Kingswood and Bedminster were called to reports of a bus fire at 11.52am.

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A spokesperson said: “On arrival, crews found a double-decker bus well alight and use two hose reels and a safety jet to extinguish the flames.

“Three firefighters wore breathing apparatus for safety. A turntable ladder was used for damage investigation.

“We were joined by police colleagues at the scene.”

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