Gas-powered Solbus fleet paused after city bus fires

5 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Warsaw Solbus fires prompt temporary withdrawal of 37 LNG buses for detailed inspections, affecting a small but visible part of the city’s fleet.

Warsaw Solbus fires returned to headlines after a dramatic blaze on al. Stanów Zjednoczonych. Consequently, the city temporarily removed 37 gas-powered Solbus vehicles from service while it inspects them.

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How the Warsaw Solbus fires unfolded

On 17 June 2026 a Solcity 18 LNG bus caught fire on Praga-Południe near Trasa Łazienkowska. Moreover, around 20 passengers left the vehicle before firefighters arrived. The blaze consumed the rear of the vehicle and produced thick black smoke. Therefore authorities cordoned off the area and blocked traffic toward Praga. Firefighters treated the scene cautiously because the bus used liquefied natural gas, LNG. In addition, they set a wide safety perimeter to avoid secondary hazards.

City response and inspections

The Warsaw public transport authority ZTM (Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego) ordered the temporary withdrawal. ZTM manages routes and fares in the capital. Moreover, MZA (Miejskie Zakłady Autobusowe), the city operator, will carry out or supervise the technical checks. The city said the move is precautionary and not a permanent grounding. However, crews will inspect every gas system, hydraulic lines, and engine compartments. One hypothesis points to a hydraulic fluid leak on the engine bay. Another hypothesis suggests an engine failure. Yet investigators face challenges because one bus burned completely.

What this means for riders and the fleet

The affected vehicles form a small, distinct subgroup of the fleet. Solcity 18 LNG buses are 18-metre articulated gas buses that serve busy routes. Therefore removing 37 vehicles will not necessarily disrupt schedules dramatically. ZTM expects fewer buses on the road during the summer morning peak. Consequently, ZTM said timetables should remain intact. MZA spokesman Adam Stawicki promised that inspected buses will return within days. In addition, the city highlighted that no one suffered injuries in the recent incidents. However, the episode raises wider safety questions about older vehicles and LNG technology.

Warsaw has seen similar Solbus fires before. For instance, a small engine-bay fire occurred on 26 June 2026 on Al. Jerozolimskie. Also, in April 2024 another Solbus burned in the Włochy district. As a result, residents and passengers now watch closely for investigation results. Authorities must determine whether the causes were isolated faults, maintenance gaps, age-related wear, or a design issue demanding broader checks.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you use Warsaw buses, check the ZTM app or the jakdojade.pl planner for real-time changes. ZTM manages routes and fares while MZA operates many buses. In Polish context, a “mandat” means a fine and PESEL is your national ID number. For safety, avoid standing near a burning vehicle and follow steward or firefighter instructions. If you rely on gas-powered vehicles, note that inspections may return some buses to service within days, but replacements may run on diesel or electric routes temporarily.

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