FOUR children were taken to hospital after smoke began filling a school bus outside Ysgol Bro Gwaun in Fishguard on Tuesday afternoon (Nov 4).
The incident occurred on the 503 school route operated by Richards Bros, when a fault in the vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system caused a foul-smelling smoke to pour from the vents.
Witnesses said the bus was stationary outside the school when pupils first noticed the problem. Some attempted to leave via the emergency exit but were reportedly told to remain on board. The driver then moved the bus a short distance to the school’s astro-turf area, where the pupils were briefly allowed off.
Parents later reported that some children developed headaches, sore throats and nausea after inhaling the fumes. Four pupils were later taken to hospital as a precaution after contacting NHS 111 for advice. All were discharged the same evening.
A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson confirmed that the issue was caused by a melted electrical component within the heating system, which had produced the smoke.
They said the bus was immediately stopped, the fault isolated, and the vehicle removed from service for inspection. A full safety check has since been completed, and the problem has been rectified.
The council added that pupil safety “remains the highest priority” and that it continues to work closely with the transport provider to ensure all school buses meet required safety standards.
The Herald understands that the driver acted promptly once alerted to the problem and that the bus was around 15 minutes late leaving the school site as a result of the incident.
