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- Ελληνικά
On 1/12/2023 and 2/12/2023, meetings were held regarding the incident of 1/12/2023, during which a fire broke out in the engine of the bus carrying students for reasons yet to be determined.
The meetings were attended by officials of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works and relevant departments, as well as representatives of the companies with which the Republic of Cyprus has contracted to carry out public transport.
At these meetings it was said that the bus in question had an automatic fire extinguishing system and hand-held fire extinguishers and the driver had been trained to handle such incidents.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, following these meetings, decided as follows. [*]As the incident appears to be due to poor maintenance, all companies have been asked to submit maintenance certificates, in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, signed by a licensed vehicle technician, in accordance with the law. [*]All public transport companies were asked to submit maintenance certificates and/or a certificate from the manufacturer's dealership confirming the correct operation of the automatic fire extinguishing system on each bus. They were also asked to fully comply with their obligations as recorded in their contract with the State, as well as with the legislation, especially in matters of type approval. [*]Companies were asked to submit their accredited vehicle maintenance and driver training procedures. [*]All of the above applies to all companies contracted with the State for public transportation and all of their subcontractors and partners. [*]A recommendation will be made to all appropriate Departments and Agencies not to contract with bus companies providing public transportation, such as for tours, in the event that such vehicles do not have an automatic fire suppression system and certificates of good working order and a vehicle maintenance certificate in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, signed by a licensed engineer. [*]A Serious Incident Investigation Team for public transport vehicles will be established, consisting of experts from the Department of Electromechanical Services and the Department of Road Transport. [BR]
In view of the above, and having the safety of the public as a primary concern, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works has determined that all buses operating public transport that do not have the necessary safety equipment for automatic fire extinguishing in the vehicle's engine may not be used for public transport until such equipment is installed.
This is expected to affect journeys, particularly of students to and from schools and efforts will be made to cover the service A related announcement will be issued tomorrow.
(SP)
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