Bus fire closes M11 in Essex causing long traffic jams in sweltering conditions

  • Anglia
Firefighters from three counties have been dealing with a double-decker bus on fire on the M11 in Essex. Credit: Alan Whitehead @EEASTSWSLM

Firefighters from three counties have been dealing with a double-decker bus on fire on the M11 in Essex.

Seven fire engines, including two from Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, were sent to the scene between Saffron Walden and Stansted airport.

The northbound carriageway was closed between junctions 8 and 9 was closed and long traffic jams built up.

Fire crews reported on arrival that a coach was completely alight on the hard shoulder. The fire had also spread to the nearby grass embankment.

No one was hurt in the fire.

Traffic delays may be up to an hour.

Traffic jams northbound on the M11 near Stansted airport after a bus caught fire. Credit: Highways England Traffic Camera
Firecrews from Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire tackled the bus fire on the M11. Credit: Alan Whitehead @EEASTSWSLM
Fire crews took an hour to tackle the fire on the M11. Credit: Alan Whitehead @EEASTSWSLM
The fire spread to the grass embankment next to the hard shoulder. Credit: Alan Whitehead @EEASTSWSLM