An investigation has been launched after a bus burst into flames on Friday morning.
Dramatic images shared on social media show the front right of the McGills bus, near the driver’s cab, ablaze after pulling off its route to a stopping point near Falleninch Farm in Stirling.
Thankfully all of those on board were helped to safety by the driver.
An eye witness said: “Some serious questions need answered, elderly and disabled passengers onboard. Really cross.”
Local representatives including Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed and Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Councillor Alasdair Tollemache expressed their concerns online. In response to pictures of the blaze, Ms Tweed tweeted: “Is everyone safe?”. And Cllr Tollemache said: “Hope all safe”.
McGills CEO Ralph Roberts labelled the incident as “very concerning” and wrote on Twitter that all similar vehicles had been called in for inspection as a precaution.
Mr Roberts also said the bus had been transferred in from a “sister company” and said it had a quality maintenance record.
A spokesperson for McGill’s East Scotland apologised for the disruption caused by the blaze and said: “We can confirm one of our vehicles developed a fault this morning which led to the driver asking passengers to disembark.
“Subsequently a fire developed, with fire crews called to attend.
“No passengers were injured and a full investigation is underway to establish the cause which at this stage is believed to be an engine component failure.
“Our apologies go to passengers who were inconvenienced by the incident and we thank them for their response to our driver’s instructions.”
McGills took over the operation of the region’s bus network in September this year after criticism from passengers over regular cancellations and unreliable timetables from previous operators First.
The Greenock-based firm’s acquisition included the fleet of buses which had previously been used to run local services - as well as the transferring over of 550 staff who had previously been employed by First on the East route.
