A bus has caught fire after striking an overpass at a major transport hub in Auckland this afternoon.
A witness told 1News of passing through the station on a bus as Fire and Emergency NZ crews arrived.
“The bus had flames,” she said. “I saw the water over the road from the fire hydrants and the police car on the busway and thought something was strange and then we came into the station and saw the smoke and the bus with the fire engines spraying it.”
A nearby resident told 1News she had to leave her house because of the fumes, and she initially thought someone had spilt methylated spirits somewhere inside.
Fire and Emergency NZ said the bus involved was “confirmed to be an EV”.
Police said they were advised a bus had collided with the edge of an overpass around Constellation Drive, North Shore around 1pm.
“The bus has subsequently caught fire and there is a significant amount of smoke in the area.”
Auckland Transport said the bus was out of service at the time of the incident with no passengers on board – and the driver was not harmed.
Fire and Emergency NZ said in a statement multiple calls were received and it responded with crews from across the city.
“Standard trucks from Albany and Greenhithe were sent. A rescue truck from Takapuna was sent, and also a heavy rescue unit from Papatoetoe.
“Crews from West Harbour and Avondale were also called in. A command unit, specialist hose layer, and a breathing apparatus tender were sent.”
Fire and Emergency NZ said the bus was an electric vehicle.
“It was confirmed to be an EV, and the fire is at a second alarm.
“[The] fire is currently still going, as they are working to extinguish it.”
The New Zealand Transport Agency said the Constellation Drive station was closed. “Traffic in the area is congested but all Northern Motorway lanes are open.”
Police advised motorists to follow the directions of emergency services staff.
Auckland Transport notified passengers that no services would be stopping at Constellation Drive Bus Station until further notice.