Bus Catches Fire on N371 in Hoogersmilde
A Mercedes Citaro G articulated bus burned out completely on the N371 in Hoogersmilde on Monday morning, October 19, 2026, after catching fire while in motion. The driver quickly pulled the vehicle over at the intersection with Oranjekanaal, allowing the driver and four passengers to escape safely before the vehicle became engulfed in flames, RTV Drenthe reported.
Thick, black clouds of smoke rose from the vehicle, which burned like a torch on the Drenthe roadway. Firefighters were alerted at approximately 9:15 a.m., but the extended bus was already a total loss by the time crews arrived. The cause of the fire in the diesel bus remains unknown, according to reporting from NU.nl.
Traffic Disruptions and Passenger Transfers
Local authorities closed the surrounding area following the incident, causing temporary traffic delays on the N371. A spokesperson for public transport operator QBuzz stated that the four passengers were promptly escorted to a replacement bus to continue their journey to their final destination.
The transit disruption affected regional scheduling throughout the morning. QBuzz announced that several bus stops toward Dieverbrug were skipped until 12:00 pm, including the Hendrik Oostdraai, Rijksweg 154, Geeuwenbrug, and Wildryck stops.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hoogersmilde Bus Fire
Where exactly did the bus fire occur?
The fire broke out on the N371 at the intersection with Oranjekanaal in Hoogersmilde, located in the province of Drenthe.
How many people were on board the bus?
The vehicle carried a driver and four passengers, all of whom evacuated safely without injury after the driver pulled over.
When did emergency services arrive at the scene?
The local fire department was alerted at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, but the articulated bus had already sustained complete destruction.
Traffic restrictions in the immediate vicinity of the N371 were lifted following the removal of the burned vehicle and the completion of initial emergency response operations.
Keep reading