A-state-of-the-art tram planned to replace Blackpool’s ageing system has been put on hold after a prototype burst into flames during a test run.
An electrical fault is believed to be the cause of the fire last week, which started underneath the cabin.
The city class tram was empty – apart from the driver who escaped without injury but was treated for smoke inhalation – as it was undergoing tests on the seafront promenade to ensure it was safe. There were plans to apply for a licence to carry passengers, but following the fire, they are now on hold.
Fire crews had to be called to put out the flames after they tore through the cabin, throwing the whole scheme into doubt only weeks before it looked likely to be approved to carry passengers. The single-decker tram, which is designed to carry up to 200 people, was severely damaged by fire and smoke.
Testing of the tram has been exhaustive, with more than 10,000 test miles on the clock and, with repairs due to be carried out this week, the project is suspended until a full investigation of the cause of the fire is completed. Professor Lewis Lesley, designer of the tram, said: ‘We were weeks away from completing the mileage we had agreed with Blackpool Council for trouble-free running before we applied for passenger service approval.’
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