After the fire in a school bus in Cyprus, similar vehicles will be removed from routes

All models of buses similar to the school bus that caught fire in Cyprus on December 1 will be taken out of service for engine checks. After the incident, all bus companies will need certificates for the technical maintenance of their vehicles.

According to the statement of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Cyprus, buses will be taken off routes on December 4. They will be allowed back into service after obtaining a certificate of technical maintenance. Additionally, automatic fire extinguishing systems are planned to be purchased for school buses in the near future.

It is noted that meetings were held within two days after the fire, attended by officials from the Ministry of Transport and representatives of companies with which the Republic of Cyprus has contracts for public transport services.

During these meetings, all parties concluded that each bus should have an automatic fire extinguishing system, as well as manual fire extinguishers, and the driver should be trained to handle such incidents, according to the statement.

As a result of these meetings, the ministry decided that all vehicles of this type will be taken out of service until their mechanical condition is checked, and a certificate of technical maintenance is issued by a specialized workshop of the manufacturing company.

The statement added that all companies engaged in public transport were also asked to provide certificates of technical maintenance and/or certificates from the manufacturer's agency confirming the proper operation of the automatic fire extinguishing system on each bus.

In addition, companies were instructed to provide accredited procedures for the technical maintenance of vehicles and driver training.

Recall that the incident in question occurred on Friday morning. A school bus caught fire during the journey, carrying 40 children. Fortunately, none of the students were injured – they all managed to evacuate from the burning bus on time.

Over the past few months, this is already the fourth incident involving public buses, including those transporting schoolchildren.