A minibus has been destroyed following a huge fire in Bedminster. The vehicle accidentally caught fire on Bedminster Road, near Bedminster Down, shortly after 1.45pm today (June 30).
Avon Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed no one was injured in the blaze, which was quickly put out by two crews from Bedminster. Avon and Somerset Police also attended the scene and told BristolLive the vehicle would be recovered when it had cooled down.
Bedminster Road was left blocked while emergency services attended the scene. While two lanes on the road have since reopened to traffic, the third lane remains closed ahead of recovery.
Read more: Fire erupts at Bedminster Down as people urged to avoid area
Motorists have faced some delays in the area this afternoon because of the road closures. BristolLive reporter Tristan Cork, who was at the scene, said: "The van came to a stop on one of three lanes of the Bedminster Road side of the Parson Street gyratory, so traffic can get past."
Police officers at the scene told him it may be a few hours before the vehicle is removed because it needs to cool off first. At the scene, Tristan said: "You can still feel the heat coming off it."
Avon Fire and Rescue Service and local police said no one had been injured in the blaze. One eyewitness reported to BristolLive there had been no passengers on board the minibus, adding that the driver made it out before the blaze got "too bad".
A spokesperson from the fire service said: "We were called at 1.47pm to reports of a van on fire on Bedminster Road. Two fire crews from Bedminster attended and found one van well alight.
"Firefighters used two high pressure hose reels and cutting gear to extinguish the blaze. Police were also on the scene and supported firefighters and kept local people safe by directing the traffic.
"The fire has now been extinguished and the cause is thought to be accidental. We’re pleased to confirm no one was injured during the incident.
"On arrival, crews determined the van to be well alight. The fire has also caused heat damage to one other nearby vehicle."
