Electric Bus Fire at Malakoff Depot Under Investigation for Possible Short Circuit
An electric bus operated by RATP caught fire at the Malakoff depot in Paris. The fire was quickly contained with no injuries reported, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause, with a short circuit considered likely.
Incident Overview
In the early hours of August 7, 2025, an electric bus belonging to the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) caught fire at the Malakoff depot located on Avenue du 12-Février-1934 in Paris, France. The fire was detected around 11:30 PM by a security guard on site, who promptly raised the alarm.
Response and Containment
The fire was rapidly controlled thanks to the coordinated efforts of the depot teams and the prompt intervention of the fire brigade. An automatic fire safety system was also triggered, aiding in containment. The fire brigade conducted an aerial inspection of the depot’s roof using a drone to assess the situation further. Due to the nature of the fire involving battery components, operational monitoring was maintained for several hours as combustion could continue internally.
Operational Impact
The depot in Malakoff is dedicated exclusively to electric bus storage, eliminating the risk of fire spreading to fuel sources. The bus involved sustained partial damage and was transferred to the Stains depot in Seine-Saint-Denis for expert examination. There was no significant damage to depot infrastructure, and RATP confirmed that regular public transport services were unaffected by the incident.
Investigation and Safety Considerations
The Central Police Laboratory has been engaged to investigate the fire. Initial findings suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. No injuries were reported. RATP is conducting a thorough inquiry to establish the precise circumstances of the incident.
Context and Previous Incidents
This event follows a history of electric and hybrid bus fires within the RATP fleet. Notably, in May 2025, a hybrid bus caught fire on Boulevard de Clichy, Paris, and in January 2024, another bus emitted smoke and subsequently caught fire shortly after leaving a depot. In spring 2022, two Bluebus electric buses manufactured by Bolloré caught fire, leading to the temporary withdrawal of 149 vehicles from service. An investigation released in October 2024 attributed those fires to battery manufacturing defects.
