The Sindh Education Minister has banned the use of CNG and LPG cylinders in school vans. Private schools have been told to follow all transport safety rules to protect students.
Following the minister’s orders, the Sindh Education Department has issued new safety instructions for private schools. The instructions also ban unsafe ways of supplying fuel to school vehicles.
What are the new safety rules?
According to an official notification, schools cannot use bottles or cans to supply petrol directly to vehicle engines. The department has warned that this practice can cause serious accidents.
Schools must also make sure that vans do not carry more students than their approved seating capacity.
Students are not allowed to travel while standing on the footboards of vehicles.
The notification also makes a fitness certificate issued by the Sindh government compulsory for all school transport vehicles. A copy of the certificate must be kept inside each vehicle for inspection.
What action will schools face for breaking the rules?
The education department has warned that strict action will be taken against school managements that fail to follow the safety instructions.
Private educational institutions have been directed to make sure that all transport rules are properly followed.
The education minister has stressed that the safety and well-being of students must remain the top priority.
Van carrying school kids catches fire
Previously, a Suzuki Bolan carrying school children caught fire after it went off the road near Masiari Lower Mohra Bara Hotar in Murree, according to Rescue 1122.
Rescue officials said that the van lost control and fell off the road, after which it suddenly caught fire.
The vehicle was carrying students from both government and private schools. Ten people, including the driver, were injured in the accident.
Rescue personnel evacuated the injured from the vehicle, provided first aid, and shifted the children to Civil Hospital Murree.
The Rescue 1122 firefighting team also brought the fire under control.
