Double-decker bus catches fire near Liverpool Street station Published duration 2 October 2016

media caption London bus catches fire near Liverpool Street station

A double-decker bus has burst into flames outside a train station in central London.

The route 26 bus to Hackney Wick, a hybrid bus, was outside Liverpool Street Station when smoke started pouring out before catching fire.

London Fire Brigade was called just before 10:00 BST and put out the flames and cleared up the fuel spillage.

Ben Lewis, a local resident, who filmed the fire and explosion said people were left "aghast" at the sight.

No one was on board and the driver had left the bus.

image copyright Ben Lewis image caption Ben Lewis filmed the bus fire and explosion on his mobile phone

London Fire Brigade said 50% of the energy-efficient hybrid bus was damaged by the fire, the cause of which is not yet known.

'A little explosion'

image copyright Isabelle Kiff image caption The route 26 bus is an energy-efficient hybrid bus

Bishopsgate was closed between Threadneedle Street and Wormwood Street until about 14:25 BST.

Tony Akers, Transport for London's head of bus operations, said: "At approximately 9.55am on Sunday 2 October, a route 26 double-decker hybrid bus, operated by CT Bus, suffered a fire at Bishopsgate Junction.

"No passengers were on board at the time, and the driver alighted safely. There will be a full investigation into the incident."

image copyright Isabelle Kiff image caption The bus sustained 50% damage

Ben Lewis, an engineer who lives in the area, was filming the bus fire when there was "a little explosion".

Mr Lewis said he had just come out of a supermarket when he saw the bus in flames, but decided "it's time to leave" after the explosion.

"Everybody seemed aghast, motionless. It's not something you see every day in London."

Isabelle Kiff who had planned to board the bus said: "Corner of Camomile Street and Bishopsgate near Liverpool Street station.

"I turned the corner and saw the bus I was planning to get on in flames.