Driver quickly evacuates passengers after fire breaks out onboard bus in Mapperley Plains

Passengers were safely evacuated from a Nottingham City Transport bus in Mapperley Plains on Saturday morning thanks to the quick-thinking actions of the driver, after a large fire broke out on board. Large plumes of smoke from the blaze could be seen from miles around.

Fire engines from Arnold and Carlton were called out after the fire was reported at about 10.05am but when they arrived the driver of the single-decker bus had managed to get passengers to safety. There were no reported injuries.

The fire broke out near the Spring Lane roundabout and resulted in the B684 Plains Road being closed in both directions for more than 90 minutes. Heavy traffic soon built up and drivers were told to avoid the area if possible while the clean-up operation continued.

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Gedling borough councillor Michael Payne put out a message on Facebook, which said he had been updated by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS). Coun Payne said: "I'm so relieved to hear that everyone is ok. There has been damage to some nearby BT infrastructure and also a fuel and oil spillage, which is being dealt with."

A spokesman for NFRS told Nottinghamshire Live: "Fire engines from Arnold and Carlton were called at 10.05am to a single-decker bus fire. The bus was evacuated and there were no injuries. They did put out a big smoke plume though. It is now dealt with."

Traffic information site Inrix and AA Traffic News both reported the road closures and then announced the road had reopened at about midday.

A spokesman for Nottingham City Transport praised the quick actions of the bus driver and said: "Earlier this morning, one of our diesel buses operating on Sky Blue Line 47 caught fire on Mapperley Plains. Our driver quickly evacuated the bus and called 999 to request the fire service. There are no reported casualties.

"We have our team at the scene and will work with all agencies to determine the cause of the fire. Our thoughts are with all affected and we thank our driver for their quick response."

Footnote: The B684 was closed again on Saturday afternoon from around 1pm with a diversion for bus services 46 and 47. It was closed from Spring Lane to Linden Place. It is understood it is connected to the earlier fire incident and repairs are being carried out.