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Bus 'explodes' on a London street moments after bursting into flames

Dozens of passengers were led to safety in South London after a double decker bus burst into flames.

A police officer alerted the driver yesterday afternoon after seeing smoke coming from the rear wheel of the 157 service from Morden to Crystal Palace.

Remains of the buss following the fire in Wallington Credit: Twitter/@LAS_TacAdvisor

Witnesses describe hearing a loud explosion with debris sent flying across the street. Speaking to the Evening Standard, one eyewitness said:

It's amazing no one was hurt. A crowd had formed, some of them must have been the passengers, and police were telling everyone to stay back. The fire was getting bigger and suddenly there was a huge explosion. It sounded like a giant gun shot. People started screaming and stepped back, panicking. The flames must have shot 10m across the street. I‘m sure it was the tyre exploding. Bits of the bus flew out at the same time. It’s really lucky no one was hurt.

– Morshed Alam

The fire is not thought to be suspicious and the cause is currently under investigation.