Second bus bursts into flames closing A93 in Aberdeenshire

A second bus has been engulfed by fire in Aberdeenshire closing a major road.

The A93 was shut in both directions after the Stagecoach vehicle burst into flames at around 8.10am on Monday.

Police Scotland advised that the road was closed in both directions between Potarch Bridge and Inchmarlo due to the fire.

Two passengers onboard the bus were safely evacuated without injury.

It is the second Stagecoach bus fire in the area in months. Fubar News via Supplied

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At 8.10am on Monday, October 30, we were alerted to reports of a bus on fire at the A93 near to Potarch, Banchory.

“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting one bus.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

A Stagecoach North Scotland spokesperson said: “We can confirm one of our vehicles was involved in an incident between Kincardine O’Neil and Potarch this morning. The two passengers on board were safely evacuated from the vehicle.

“As the country’s biggest bus operator, we operate almost 400 million vehicle miles across the UK every year. The safety of our customers, employees and other road users is our absolute priority and close to all journeys get customers to their destination without incident.

“We take any incident of this nature extremely seriously and always carry out an in-depth investigation. This includes determining the root cause and immediately taking any corrective action needed.”

‘Extremely concerning’

Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, said the incident was “extremely concerning” after another Stagecoach bus went on fire in Crathes in April.

Three passengers and a driver were forced off the bus on that occasion but no one was injured.

In a statement, he called on Stagecoach to address the issues to ease concerns among passengers.

He said: “This is a deeply alarming incident and I’m glad no one was hurt in the bus fire.

“I’m extremely concerned that this is the second Stagecoach bus fire of its kind in the Banchory area in recent months after a double decker burst into flames near Crathes.

“Stagecoach must address these issues transparently and conduct a thorough investigation to ensure each and every one of their vehicles have maximum fire safety protections.

“These fires are clearly causing concern among passengers who need to be assured that these faults are being resolved by the company.”

Stagecoach has been contacted for comment.