A30 closed for hours after bus bursts into flames

A bus fully engulfed in flames with smoke plumes coming from it. The sky is dark and it is on the side of the road. Image source, Launceston Community Fire Station
Image caption,

Firefighters were called to the A30 at about 06:30 BST

  • Published

Crews have dealt with a bus fire on a main road in Cornwall which left a carriageway blocked.

Firefighters from Bodmin and Launceston were called to the A30 near Bolventor at about 06:30 BST, said Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

National Highways South West said the A30 westbound carriageway was closed between the A395 at Kennards House and the A389 at Bodmin until about 17:20 when one lane was reopened.

Devon and Cornwall Police said no passengers were on the bus at the time and there were no injuries reported.

A burnt-out red bus. The bus is severely damaged. A yellow fire service hose is visible.Image source, Launceston Community Fire Station
Image caption,

The bus driver managed to escape before the bus burst into flames

Go South West, which runs the bus, said the double-decker lost power and caught fire.

A spokesperson said the bus was not in service and the driver managed to get out safely.

Traffic website Inrix said vehicle movements were slow in the affected area due to the fire itself and "oil spillage".

National Highways South West said a "complex recovery" of the burned-out bus had taken place and the road surface would be inspected for damage.

"Resurfacing works are scheduled for Wednesday night," a National Highways spokesperson added.

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