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 tragedy averted as students had not yet boarded the vehicle.
The driver evacuated the bus promptly after noticing smoke and attempted unsuccessfully to extinguish the fire himself before emergency services arrived, police said.
No injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred before the scheduled student pickup time.
Driver evacuates safely as fire engulfs vehicle
The bus was one of the newer vehicles in OSYPA’s fleet, according to Andreas Nikiforou, Head of Public Passenger Transport and Senior Road Transport Officer.
“The specific bus had passed technical inspection on 27/08/2025, approximately 20 days ago,” Nikiforou said.
An electromechanical service team from Nicosia will conduct a full inspection of the vehicle, while the provincial electromechanical service department has already carried out an initial examination to identify where the fire started.
Transport officials launch full investigation into incident
This is not the only fire incident involving a student transport bus.
Nikiforou said inspections have increased over the past two years, with companies now required to present MOT certificates, technical inspections from private garages, and documentation showing inspections within three months.
“Everything was in order with the bus. There is certification for the fire suppression system; everything was perfect. It was a terribly unfortunate incident,” Nikiforou said.
Transport Ministry representatives confirmed the 2010-manufactured bus met contractual requirements allowing vehicles under 20 years old in the fleet, with an average age not exceeding 10 years.
Parliamentary Education Committee deputy chairman Chrysanthos Savvides said 50 new buses are expected for delivery in February to modernise the ageing fleet.
“We must give all our attention to existing buses to avoid any unpleasant developments,” Savvides said.
Authorities continue investigating the destroyed vehicle to determine the exact cause, examining potential mechanical failure, electrical problems or other factors.
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