A bus fire which saw the vehicle engulfed in flames closed a road in Oxfordshire.

The incident happened on Friday morning near Watlington leaving the road to be shut in both directions after fire crews were called at 7.24am. 

A spokesman for Oxford Bus Company confirmed one of the operator's vehicles was involved in the incident in Cuxham.

The driver was able to escape the bus without injuries and there were no passengers on the stationary bus at the time.

READ MORE: Air ambulance descends after 'sports car crash' closes road

The aftermath of the bus fire in Oxfordshire.The aftermath of the bus fire in Oxfordshire. (Image: Contributed)The spokesman said: “We can confirm one of our vehicles was involved in a major thermal incident in Cuxham this morning.

“The vehicle was not in service, was stationary at the time and the driver had safely disembarked before the incident occurred.

“No passengers or other vehicles were involved and there were no injuries.

“Our driver contacted the emergency services who attended the scene and we have now opened an internal investigation into the cause of the incident.

“We would like to reassure passengers that we have an excellent safety record, all our vehicles undergo regular, extensive checks and maintenance and incidents of this nature are extremely rare.”

READ MORE: Road CLOSED and fire engines descend as public warned to avoid area

Fire crews from Slade Park, Wallingford and Thame were called to the accidental fire of the stationary Oxford Bus Company vehicle before leaving the scene just before 10am. 

A spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of this fire was accidental and believed to be due to a blown tyre which then caused the vehicle's brakes to overheat.

Dave Richards, who lives in Watlingon, said the bus "commemorated Oxford Bus Company colleague Sarah Waugh who died a little while back".

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