Bus fire on Birmingham New Road is the latest after the dramatic Coseley fire that closed the area

Firefighters tackled a blaze that started on a bus travelling along Birmingham New Road this afternoon (July 16). A section of the main route, heading south, was closed for several hours from 3.07pm onwards.

A single-decker bus has been pictured engulfed in flames. West Midlands Fire Service Fire Control confirmed tonight that the bus was at the centre of the blaze.

Firefighters left the scene at 4:15 p.m., according to Fire Control. It was not clear if there were any injuries.

Concerned residents took to social media to urge others to avoid the area. One person wrote on Facebook: “Bus on fire on Birmingham New Road – avoid!”

Read more: Birmingham New Road fire live as area closed after blaze breaks out in Coseley

Another added: “There’s a bus on fire on Birmingham New Road. Don’t go that way.”

Facebook page ‘Spotted Woodcross and Surrounding’ added: “Bus fire on Birmingham New Road – just outside Roseville. Please advise to avoid the area. Fire and police in attendance.”

Bus services 8 and X8, heading to Birmingham, were diverted from the scene during the incident. National Express apologised for the disruption.

A Fire Control spokesman told us: “The fire started at 3.07pm. A single-decker bus was involved in the fire. We sent two fire engines. We left the scene at 4.15pm.”

West Midlands Police also issued a brief statement on the incident. A spokesman for the force said: “We were called to assist West Midlands Fire Service with the closure of Birmingham New Road.”

Inrix’s latest traffic update said: “Birmingham New Road southbound partially blocked, traffic slow due to firefighter activity between Mason Street and Bronwen Road. Sensors show traffic is now able to pass through the site following a previous full closure.”

We have also contacted West Midlands Ambulance Service for comment.