paphos school — paphos school — A school bus operated by the Paphos Public Transport Organisation (OSYPA) caught fire at around 07:00 on Tuesday on Archbishop Makarios Avenue in Chlorakas, with no students on board. Thankfully, tragedy was averted as the bus was empty at the time of the incident.
- As authorities continue their investigations, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety and reliability of student transport services in the region.
The driver noticed smoke emanating from the bus and quickly evacuated the vehicle. In an attempt to manage the situation, he tried to extinguish the fire himself but was unsuccessful. Emergency services arrived shortly after, ensuring that no injuries were reported.
Paphos school: Recent Technical Inspection Raises Questions
This particular bus was among the newer models in OSYPA’s fleet. Andreas Nikiforou, Head of Public Passenger Transport and Senior Road Transport Officer, confirmed that the bus had passed its technical inspection on 27 August 2025, just three weeks prior to the fire. “Everything was in order with the bus. There is certification for the fire suppression system; everything was perfect,” Nikiforou stated, calling the incident “terribly unfortunate.”
Inspection Protocols Under Scrutiny
An electromechanical service team from Nicosia is set to conduct a thorough inspection of the bus to pinpoint the cause of the fire. The provincial electromechanical service department has already completed an initial examination to identify where the blaze originated. Authorities are considering various potential causes, including mechanical failure or electrical issues.
Interestingly, this is not the first fire incident involving a student transport bus in the region. Nikiforou mentioned that inspections have intensified over the past two years, with transport companies now required to provide MOT certificates, technical inspections from private garages, and documentation of inspections undertaken within the last three months.
Ageing Fleet and Future Plans
The Transport Ministry representatives confirmed that the bus, manufactured in 2010, met contractual requirements for vehicles under 20 years old, with an average fleet age not exceeding 10 years. Parliamentary Education Committee deputy chairman Chrysanthos Savvides noted that 50 new buses are expected for delivery in February to help modernise the ageing fleet. “We must give all our attention to existing buses to avoid any unpleasant developments,” Savvides said, highlighting the ongoing challenge faced by the transport sector.
As authorities continue their investigations, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety and reliability of student transport services in the region.
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