Three Greyhound Buses and Trailer Burnt
Three Greyhound buses and trailer burnt in fire at Boksburg depot on Sunday, 17 August 2025, with the cause still unknown and no injuries reported. The blaze broke out at the bus company’s depot in Jet Park, Boksburg, on the East Rand, near OR Tambo International Airport, east of Johannesburg. Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Eric Maloka said firefighters managed to contain the fire, saving two other buses that were driven to a safer spot.
Background to the Fire at Greyhound’s Jet Park Depot
The incident happened at Greyhound’s main depot in Jet Park, a busy industrial area in Boksburg known for its logistics hubs and closeness to OR Tambo International Airport. Greyhound, a well-known luxury coach service in South Africa, runs intercity trips across the country, carrying thousands of passengers daily on routes like Johannesburg to Durban or Cape Town. The company, part of Unitrans Passenger, has been around for over 37 years but faced tough times during the Covid-19 lockdowns, even shutting down briefly in 2021 before restarting. This fire adds to challenges for the transport sector, where vehicle losses can disrupt services and cost millions in repairs or replacements.
Fires at bus depots are not new in South Africa, often linked to electrical faults, arson, or accidents. In recent years, similar events have hit other operators; for example, in 2023, a Putco depot in Pretoria saw buses torched during wage protests, causing major delays. Boksburg itself has seen its share of emergencies, like the 2022 gas tanker explosion that killed over 40 people and damaged homes, showing how quickly fires can spread in industrial zones. The East Rand’s mix of warehouses, trucks, and fuel storage makes it a high-risk spot for such incidents, with emergency teams always on alert.
This blaze started on a quiet Sunday afternoon, catching three double-decker buses and a trailer, turning them into charred wrecks. Photos from the scene show thick black smoke and flames engulfing the vehicles, with firefighters battling to stop it from spreading to nearby buildings or more buses. Greyhound’s fleet includes modern coaches with air-con, Wi-Fi, and comfy seats, so losing these hits hard, especially as travel picks up post-winter.
Details of the Blaze and Emergency Response
The fire was reported around midday on 17 August 2025, prompting a quick call to Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS). Teams from Boksburg, Leon Ferreira, Albertina, and Primrose fire stations rushed to the site, backed by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) fire rescue crews due to the depot’s airport proximity. Using foam and water, they contained the flames before they could reach fuel tanks or other vehicles, avoiding a bigger disaster.
Two buses were driven out of harm’s way, saving them from damage. No one was hurt, a relief given the potential for explosions with buses that might have had fuel on board. The depot, which services and parks coaches, was likely empty of passengers, but staff could have been around for maintenance. Response time was key; Ekurhuleni EMS is trained for such events, with drills ensuring they act fast in high-stakes spots like Jet Park.
Investigators are now looking into what sparked it – could be wiring issues, a mechanical fault, or even foul play, though nothing points to that yet. Fire safety officials will check for clues like burn patterns or witness accounts. In past depot fires, causes ranged from faulty chargers to deliberate acts during strikes, so a full probe is needed.
Official Statement from Ekurhuleni EMS Spokesperson
Eric Maloka, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni EMS, shared details on the response. He said: “Two buses managed to escape the fire and were driven to a safer area. No injuries were reported during or after the operation and the cause of the fire is still unknown and remains the subject of investigation by our fire officials.”
Maloka praised the teams for their swift work, noting how coordination with ACSA helped contain the blaze quickly. He urged calm while the probe goes on, assuring the public that safety checks will follow to prevent repeats.
Greyhound has not yet commented publicly, but sources say they’re assessing the damage and working to keep schedules running with spare buses. The company, which employs hundreds, will likely review insurance and security measures.
Impact on Greyhound Operations and Broader Implications
Losing three buses and a trailer could mean short-term disruptions for Greyhound passengers, especially on popular routes. Each coach costs millions, and trailers haul luggage, so replacements take time. With spring travel ramping up, the company might hire extras or reroute to cope. Past shutdowns, like in 2021 due to low demand, showed Greyhound’s resilience, but fires add pressure in a competitive market with rivals like Intercape or Eagle Liner.
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