Southern Vectis is working to establish the cause of a blaze that destroyed one of its Isle of Wight Festival transport buses during the early hours of this morning (Friday).
It was just before 00:40 that the Salisbury Reds-liveried double decker bus – which is kept on the Island – came to a stop on the A3056 Newport Road between Lake and Apse Heath, when a fire broke out in the engine bay, as first reported by Island Echo.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilised appliances from Shanklin, Sandown and Ryde, but by the time crews arrived on the scene, the bus had been engulfed by the flames which were licking 20ft in the air.
1 main jet, 2 hose reel jets and 6 breathing apparatus were used to contain and extinguish the fire, with efforts made to protect nearby properties.
It has been confirmed that the bus, used to transport festival revellers to and from the Isle of Wight Festival site in Newport, was out of service at the time. The only person on board was the driver, who escaped uninjured.
Island Echo is told that the bus was seen on The Broadway, Sandown at around 00:25 with ‘huge amounts’ of black smoke emanating from the rear, with a strong smell of burning.
Newport Road was closed for a time to allow for the recovery of the vehicle and the clear up of debris from the carriageway. The road has since re-opened under temporary traffic lights as the intense heat from the fire has damaged the road surface.
In a statement, Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis’ General Manager, has said
“One of our vehicles caught fire early this morning, whilst on Newport Road. There were no passengers on board, as the bus was out of service at the time of the incident.
“Although in Salisbury Reds livery, the bus is retained on the Island as part of the additional fleet required for the festival transport. The vehicle has been maintained and was prepared for service by the Southern Vectis team.
“There was no prior warning of any issue, and the driver pulled over immediately and safely.
“This type of incident is extremely rare, and we are investigating to establish the cause of the fire. Early indications suggest a mechanical issue”.
The incident comes just a day after a bus shelter was destroyed at Binstead – also by a bus being used for Isle of Wight Festival transport.
[…] MECHANICAL FAILURE THOUGHT TO BE BEHIND EARLY HOURS FESTIVAL BUS BLAZE […]
Glad there were no passengers on the bus and that the driver escaped ok
Island Echo is told that the bus was seen on The Broadway, Sandown at around 00:25 with ‘huge amounts’ of black smoke emanating from the rear, with a strong smell of burning.
“There was no prior warning of any issue, and the driver pulled over immediately and safely”
If that was the case, how come it took from the Broadway in Sandown, until the airport entrance in Lake to stop? Roughly 1.8 miles away! Brakes must of been playing up as well then!?
I presume the driver didn’t see the smoke until lake
With all the vaping taking place nowdays,
probably didn’t notice.
I’ll get you Butler!!!!!
‘With a strong smell of burning.’ Yes, well there would be, wouldn’t there?