Eight fire crews battle inferno at Hertfordshire bus depot

An electric bus caught fire on Sunday while it was charging at a depot, causing five other vehicles to become engulfed, as eyewitnesses described hearing an explosion "like a jet".

Fire crews were called to the Metroline bus depot in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, after locals raised the alarm at around 2.30pm.

Eight fire engines attended the scene - evacuating neighbouring properties and fire-proofing the remaining buses.

At the height of the blaze, six Transport for London (TfL) buses - two hybrid electric and four diesel - were on fire.

Footage of the incident posted on social media showed black smoke billowing from the buses before a large fireball erupted into the sky.

A large plume of smoke was seen for miles around and Hertfordshire Fire Control took more than 70 calls from members of the public.

Eyewitness Shaun Cunningham told the BBC he heard “an unbelievable noise that sounded like a jet” and saw a bus had “exploded into a ball of flames”.

Potters Bar High Street was closed as a result of the incident, resulting in significant disruption to traffic.

The cause and origin of the incident are currently under investigation.

Nobody is thought to have been injured.

Andy Hopcraft, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's deputy chief fire officer, said: "The service was called to reports of a significant fire at Potters Bar Bus Garage at around 2.30pm this afternoon.

"The first fire engine was on the scene within four minutes, where four buses were well alight.

"Neighbouring properties were quickly evacuated and the surrounding buildings and other buses were protected from fire.

"At the height of the fire, eight engines were in attendance, and a total of six buses were on fire - two electric-hybrid, and four diesel-powered.

"Thanks to the efforts of the firefighters involved, the fire was contained to six buses and did not spread to cause further damage to other buildings or vehicles."

Mr Hopcraft added: "Although this is a significant incident, we would like to reassure residents that we are ready to respond to other emergencies if required.

"The cause and origin of the fire is currently under investigation and is yet to be established."

The Potters Bar Bus Garage is run by Metroline and houses several buses that are used by Transport for London (TfL).

Metroline has been approached for comment.