Rear Upper Deck Emergency Exits on buses

[MotCO]

The Express website reports a bus fire in Scotland:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1006400/double-decker-bus-bursts-into-flames-watch-video

The bus burst into flames as passengers on the top floor rushed to escape the inferno that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.

A resident spotted the fire coming out from the engine hatch at the back of the vehicle while it was travelling through Allandale, Falkirk around 8pm last night (Mon).

Operators First Bus has confirmed no one was injured during the blaze on board the X37 service, the cause of which is not yet known.

The whole bus is engulfed - the fire is not just restricted to the engine bay which is often the case. Fortunately, there were only 4 passengers on board, and all escaped unhurt.

My concern is that the emergency exit upstairs on the bus is above the engine bay - often where a fire is - meaning that if this bus was packed, no one could use the emergency exit and everyone would have to use the stairs. Given the intensity of this fire, would everyone have been able to use the staircase and escape safely? Should upper deck emergency exits be relocated, or should there be more than one exit route upstairs (other than the stairs)?

 

[Bluebirdscot66]

It is with a bit of luck it didn't happen earlier in the journey when more were on board as it's usually quiet by the time allandale comes . It went up quickly.

 

[Stan Drews]

The primary purpose of the rear upper deck emergency window, is to provide an exit should the bus topple on to its side. Escaping from it with the bus upright introduces a danger in itself.

 

[Bletchleyite]

My concern is that the emergency exit upstairs on the bus is above the engine bay - often where a fire is - meaning that if this bus was packed, no one could use the emergency exit and everyone would have to use the stairs. Given the intensity of this fire, would everyone have been able to use the staircase and escape safely? Should upper deck emergency exits be relocated, or should there be more than one exit route upstairs (other than the stairs)?

As buses generally don't have double glazed windows, there are probably around 10-16 emergency exits provided all the way around. Lie on a seat, kick it out, exit as required.

But as others have said the back hatch is intended for a situation where the bus is on its side, anyway.

 

[PermitToTravel]

As buses generally don't have double glazed windows, there are probably around 10-16 emergency exits provided all the way around. Lie on a seat, kick it out, exit as required.

Or use the provided hammers
Or, nowadays, hit the "press button to break window"

 

[Busaholic]

Not strictly on topic, but during the last days of Routemaster operation on London route 73 I was walking down the Euston Road one evening and I was amazed to be passed by one, almost full, with the rear exit window open and hanging down!