Serious concerns over student safety and accountability have emerged after a school bus allegedly failed to turn up to pick up students after classes on August 7, 2026, leaving children to make alternative arrangements to return home.
According to a parent, students had travelled to school as usual on Bus No. 5 and were expected to return on the same vehicle after classes. The bus normally reaches the designated stop at around 3.30 pm. However, on Friday, the bus reportedly did not arrive at the school for the return journey.
As the children failed to reach their respective stops at the usual time, worried parents began seeking information through the school bus WhatsApp group. The parent alleged that neither the class teacher nor the teacher responsible for coordinating bus arrangements responded to calls or messages at the time, leaving families uncertain about their children’s whereabouts.
One student reportedly obtained some cash from a security guard at the school and boarded a public bus amid rain to reach his regular bus stop. As his home is around seven kilometres away, he then had to arrange another mode of transport. He eventually reached home at around 5.40 pm, more than two hours later than expected.
According to the parent, a detailed message was received later in the evening from the teacher responsible for bus-related matters, explaining the circumstances behind the disruption and her inability to respond earlier.
The incident, however, has prompted parents to raise broader questions about the school’s preparedness for transport emergencies involving minor students.
Parents have sought clarity on who assumes responsibility for students when a scheduled school bus fails to arrive and whether the school has a contingency plan to ensure every child reaches home safely.
They have also questioned how students are expected to arrange alternative transportation when school rules may restrict them from carrying mobile phones or sufficient cash.
Concerns have been raised particularly about the safety of children travelling alone in such circumstances and whether minor students can reasonably be expected to independently arrange their journey home.
Parents have urged the school administration and principal to establish a clear emergency transport protocol, designate responsible officials, maintain timely communication with families and ensure no student is left to find an alternative way home without parental knowledge or supervision.
They have sought appropriate intervention and concrete safeguards to prevent a recurrence.
