A BUS engine exploded on Saturday closing the road overnight.

The Metroline W8 bus’ diesel engine is thought to have caught fire at around 7.50pm on Park Avenue, near the junction with Village Road and St Stephen’s church.

The flames broke out from the rear of the bus after passengers were evacuated, according to witnesses.

Scott Lacey, 21, called the emergency services after driving past the bus and seeing smoke emerging from the rear.

He said: “I was in the car driving back from work in Bush Hill Park and I saw it was smoking so I parked to see what was going on. The driver had alerted people and everyone got off. After a few minutes there was a bang and the back just went up. It sounded the same as when the engine backfires.”

The road was closed in both directions until the next morning.