A critical incident has been declared by the Met Police after an electric London bus caught fire in Wimbledon. The incident led to the closure of the affected road in both directions, causing significant disruptions during the morning rush hour. The alarming event unfolded just after 7 a.m. on Thursday, raising concerns about the safety of nearby residents and commuters.

Upon receiving the emergency call, a swift response from the London Fire Brigade was initiated, with multiple resources dispatched to the scene.

The gravity of the situation prompted the local police to declare it a critical incident, indicating the severity of the incident and the need for coordinated efforts to manage the situation effectively.

As a result of the ongoing incident, drivers are urged to avoid the affected area and seek alternative routes to minimize traffic congestion. Additionally, residents residing near the scene have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the substantial amount of smoke generated by the bus fire.

Authorities are currently assessing the situation, and it remains unclear whether those in the immediate vicinity will be evacuated to ensure their safety. The safety and well-being of both the public and emergency responders are paramount in such circumstances.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the safety of electric vehicles, as they become more prevalent on the roadways. Investigations into the cause of the fire will likely be conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Local authorities, including the police and fire services, are working diligently to manage the situation and will provide updates to the public as more information becomes available. Commuters and residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution when navigating the area affected by the incident.

We have reached out to the London Fire Brigade and the Met Police for a statement on the ongoing incident