26 May 2025

Neighbour saw flames, heard glass breaking as Auckland bus caught fire

6:24 pm on 26 May 2025
Wreckage of a diesel bus that caught fire in Epsom about 6.10pm on Sunday 24 May 2025. An Auckland Transport spokesperson said the driver promptly raised the alarm and made sure all passengers got off safely.

Wreckage of a diesel bus that caught fire in Epsom about 6.10pm on Sunday. Photo: Supplied / Peter Cammell

An Epsom resident says things happened suddenly when a bus caught fire outside his house on Sunday.

Fire investigators will continue deterto find out what caused the diesel bus to catch fire.

Ken lives nearby and told RNZ he heard glass breaking and the tyres of the bus popping.

Wreckage of a diesel bus that caught fire in Epsom about 6.10pm on Sunday 24 May 2025. An Auckland Transport spokesperson said the driver promptly raised the alarm and made sure all passengers got off safely.

The driver made sure all passengers got safely off the bus, AT said Photo: Supplied / Peter Cammell

"We could see the flames - it was literally right in front of us at the junction"

He called Fire and Emergency and moved his children to the back of the house.

Ken said the driver was standing near the bus and looked shaken but okay.

Auckland Transport praised the driver for promptly raising the alarm and making sure all passengers, including one with mobility problems, off the bus safely.

Wreckage of a diesel bus that caught fire in Epsom about 6.10pm on Sunday 24 May 2025. An Auckland Transport spokesperson said the driver promptly raised the alarm and made sure all passengers got off safely.

A neighbour saw flames and heard glass breaking. Photo: Supplied / Peter Cammell

The Tramways Union said it would be reviewing Health and Safety processes after the fire.

The union said the driver tried to use the fire extinguisher but could not undo the holding clips. He was left shaken by the incident and had trouble sleeping afterwards.