Ambulance fire at Otahuhu train station: Patient and carer safely evacuated

An ambulance fire at Otahuhu Train Station in Auckland caused evacuations and transport delays.

St John spokesman Mark Deoki said just before 9am, a St John Patient Transfer Service (PTS) vehicle caught fire in Otahuhu, while on its way to Auckland Hospital.

"A St John first responder, who was driving the vehicle, detected smoke and pulled over at Otahuhu Train Station.

"Everybody on board was safely evacuated, including a patient, their caregiver and a medical assistant. Nobody was harmed in the incident and we were able to transfer the patient safely onto another vehicle," the acting district operations support manager said.

An ambulance is fully ablaze at Otahuhu train station in Auckland / Supplied

Deoki said St John is looking into what caused the vehicle to catch fire and is supporting those involved.

"We want to commend the actions of our first responder who acted quickly to secure the safety of those on board.

"We want to also acknowledge the support of our partners at Fire and Emergency NZ and Police who came to our aid."

Fire and Emergency shift manager Paul Radden said the alarm was raised at 8.45am and two high pressure delivery engines were sent to the scene.

An ambulance is on fire at Otahuhu Train Station. Photo / Supplied

Jon Reeves, a passenger on a Britomart bound train which stopped at the station, said the ambulance was "completely ablaze".

"[It] is actually pretty destroyed. Another ambulance has arrived and a police car."

Reeves said that when he passed the station the vehicle was still on fire and the fire service hadn't arrived.

"It is very unusual to see of course, and I just hope no one was inside."

Auckland Transport spokesman Mark Hannan said Otahuhu Bus station was evacuated due to the incident.

"All bus services are being diverted away from the station. Trains are not impacted at this stage," he said.

AT warned people to expect delays.

Police and FENZ gave clearance for buses and customers to re-enter Otahuhu Station at about 9.45am.

Otahuhu Station is being evacuated due to an emergency services situation. All bus services are currently diverted. Train services are not impacted. pic.twitter.com/pM2kxJ9RI2

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) May 21, 2019