Nuneham Courtenay double-decker bus fire causes traffic disruption

A double-decker bus has been wrecked by fire, causing gridlock in part of Oxfordshire.

The A4074 in Nuneham Courtenay was closed while crews tackled the blaze on Saturday afternoon.

The county's fire service said the incident had led to "significant traffic disruption" and urged drivers to take an alternative route.

Bus company Thames Travel said there were no injuries.

A spokesperson said the X40 service bus, which was reduced to charred remains, was involved in a "thermal incident".

They added: "A small number of passengers were on-board at the time and were evacuated safety along with our driver.

"There were no injuries and the passengers were transferred onto our next service.

"Our driver contacted the emergency services who attended the scene and we have now opened an internal investigation into the cause of the incident.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to reassure passengers that we have an excellent safety record, all our vehicles undergo regular, extensive checks and maintenance and incidents of this nature are extremely rare."

Thames Travel said its X40 was unable to serve stops between Berinsfield Layby and Heyford Hill Sainsburys after the incident.

AA said the A4074 was being used by motorists avoiding delays on the A34 dual carriageway which, according to Thames Valley Police, was shut southbound between the Marcham and Milton interchanges due to a collision.

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