Life and Death after Plymouth

This was the scene earlier today just outside Bristol…

Double-decker bus fire closes A370 at Long Ashton

Several fire crews were called to the A370 Long Ashton bypass, on the outskirts of Bristol, just after 13:46 BST on Wednesday.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the bus was "well alight" when firefighters arrived and breathing apparatus had to be deployed.

The road remains closed in both directions and motorists have been warned to avoid the area.

First West of England, which owns the bus - an X1 service from Bristol to Weston-super-Mare - said the driver and passengers were all evacuated safely.

The company's commercial manager Simon Ford said all passengers had been taken to a replacement bus, and there would be a "thorough investigation" into the cause of the fire.

In a statement Avon Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Bedminster, Bath and Kingswood had been sent to fight the blaze, using high-pressure hose reels.

"Firefighters remain on the scene damping down. The cause of the fire is thought to be accidental," it added.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said police and highways officers are supporting the fire service at the scene, and a road inspection will be carried out before it reopens.

Some bus services along the route are being diverted through the village of Long Ashton.

BBC News Somerset

This was former Park & Ride bus 33417

Seen back in happier days (February 2011)

A sad end to one of the finest batch of buses ever to grace the street of Plymouth, certainly far better than anything that has appeared on Plymouth park & Ride ever since.