Youngsters escape bus fire on way to school
A GROUP of schoolchildren were evacuated from their bus on the way to school after it caught fire.
The bus was on its way to Brynteg School in Bridgend when the incident happened at around 8.20am last Thursday.
About 40 pupils were reportedly on board.
Pupils on the bus say they told the driver to stop, having smelled smoke and noticed cars beeping to signal to the driver.
They got off the bus on Brackla Way, Brackla, near the junction with Foxfields, and the bus caught fire a few minutes later.
The bus is run by Peyton Travel and is a privately arranged vehicle for pupils.
Pupil Liv Howe said: “I’m 16 and I was very shaken up.”
She said she now feared catching the bus again.
“I’m normally not scared but after seeing an actual fire and being involved within the events at such a young age it’s traumatising.”
She called her mum Victoria Howe after the incident. Ms Howe, who has another child at the school, is concerned about other incidents.
“My son is in year seven and has asthma and has already said that his chest is feeling really tight.
“I think my daughter who’s 16 was most upset. She was trying to hold it together for the younger children but the smell of smoke and petrol in the bus has really shaken her up – she said they kept telling the driver.”
She now wants to find an alternative way for her children to get to school.
Peyton Travel lost its contract to provide school bus services in 2017 after it had its licence revoked.
It had prohibition notices issued on its vehicles for mechanical defects, the Traffic Commissioner for Wales found.
This service was not contracted by the council and was privatelyarranged, according to Bridgend council.
A spokesperson from Bridgend council said: “A Peyton Travel bus caught fire this morning in the Brackla area of Bridgend. The bus was a privatelyarranged vehicle (ie not one contracted by the council) for pupils attending Brynteg School.
“We understand that the passengers informed the driver of smoke, and the driver found a safe place to stop so he could investigate. The passengers then exited the vehicle, which later caught fire.
“All pupils are safe and are receiving support at school.
“South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue attended the incident.
“The council is currently liaising with the school, and will be offering its support.”
Brynteg School released a statement through Twitter, which read: “We are aware that there was an incident on the paid school transport bus earlier today. All pupils using the bus are safe and are in school. We are working with the local authority and the travel company to address the issues and concerns that have been raised.”
A statement from Peyton Travel Limited said there was a fire in the engine compartment.
It added: “All passengers were evacuated by our driver without injury and the fire brigade attended to extinguish the fire.
“The cause and circumstances of the fire are under investigation.
“The vehicle had been properly maintained and was recently MOTed. We have reported appropriately to the Department of Transport, Bridgend County Borough Council and Brynteg Comprehensive School .
“We will cooperate in all investigations regarding this event.”