Derbyshire schoolchildren driven home on 'faulty' bus with smoke pouring out

Students at Kirk Hallam Community Academy in Ilkeston reportedly rushed to the front of the vehicle on Tuesday afternoon as smoke filled the rear seating area – but the driver carried on the journey through the villages of Stanley and West Hallam.

Philip Straw’s 12-year-old daughter in Year 8 at Kirk Hallam Community Academy was on the bus and kept in contact with him via text messages throughout the trip.

He said: “At the time I was a bit concerned. I thought they would just send another bus.

"In the end I was trying to make light of it but I was reasonably concerned. I don’t think it’s the first time my daughter’s mentioned the bus is a bit rickety, but I don’t think there’s been anything like this before. The bus does look a bit old.”

Social distancing on the bus became non-existent as the youngsters rushed out of the way of the smoke, Philip added.

He said: “They are told to wear a mask but I don’t think the driver is particularly bothered.

"They all moved towards the front behind the driver and my daughter said the dial on the front was measuring 230 degrees. The bus driver didn’t stop then the bus started making more noise and more smoke was appearing.”

Philip said the vehicle is a school bus that serves Kirk Hallam Community Academy twice a day. The Derbyshire Times has contacted the school for comment.