A devastating fire at a bus depot in Chadwell, United Kingdom, has destroyed 36 double-decker buses, with early investigations suggesting the blaze may have been deliberately set.
According to local fire services, the fire broke out at around 6 pm on Friday and rapidly spread through the entire bus storage yard before emergency crews could bring it under control after several hours of effort. Five fire crews and around 25 firefighters were deployed to the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the intensity of the blaze not only destroyed multiple buses but also caused heavy smoke to spread across nearby areas, with some localities reporting temporary power disruptions.
The Fire Service later stated that initial findings indicate the incident was not accidental, but rather a suspected case of arson. Police have now launched a full investigation to determine those responsible.
Residents reported large plumes of smoke visible from more than 20 miles away, while a strong smell of burning materials lingered across surrounding neighborhoods.
Officials have urged anyone who noticed suspicious activity at the time of the incident to come forward and assist investigators in identifying the culprits.
