Students hospitalised after fire extinguisher explodes on JUTC bus

Several students were taken to hospital on Friday morning after a fire extinguisher exploded on a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus on Weymouth Drive in St. Andrew.
   
The bus driver was also treated at hospital.
   
It is reported that about 7:40 a.m., the driver stopped to pick up a passenger when the fire extinguisher exploded, exposing students and the driver to fumes.

Gladys Bryan, an onlooker who was about to board the route 31 bus, told RJR News that when passengers tried to exit the bus, the front door was jammed, prompting them to force their way through the back door in a stampede.

She said elderly persons were trampled on during the dilemma and a student fainted.

JUTC to investigate

Meanwhile, Reginald Allen, JUTC Corporate Communications Manager, said the company, through a special unit, will investigate the incident.

"It is extremely unusual, so we have to investigate to determine what happened," he declared. 

Police

In the meantime, Superintendent Calvin Allen, head of the Highway and Traffic Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, said the police will also be investigating the incident.
   
SSP Allen said investigators will, among other things, determine whether the bus was carrying more passengers than it should.
   
However, he said the primary focus at this stage is the state of the three children who were affected by the incident.

The children - two 11 year olds and a seven year old from George Headley Primary School, were taken to Bustamante Hospital for Children to be treated.