Jamui: Three children were injured after the radiator of a school van carrying 22 students burst near Sono Chowk in Bihar’s Jamui district on Wednesday morning.
The children suffered scald injuries after hot water and steam escaped from the vehicle’s radiator. Two of the injured students were initially reported to be in critical condition and were referred to a private hospital for further treatment.
Children Travelling In Old Vehicle
According to eyewitnesses, the children were students of a private school and were travelling towards Sono in an old Magic van.
The vehicle’s radiator burst as it reached the area near Sono Chowk. The incident caused panic among the children, according to people present at the scene.
Local residents took the injured students to the Sono Community Health Centre, where they received first aid before being referred to a private hospital.
Three Students Injured
The injured students have been identified as Garv Singh, son of Kaushal Kishore Singh of Churhet village; Ankit Kumar, son of Pramod Das of Kahula Charghara; and Amarjit Kumar of Dubedih.
All three are students of St Xavier’s School. Garv and Ankit are in Class 1, while Amarjit is in Class 3.
Doctors said hot water splashed onto the legs of Ankit and Amarjit, causing significant burns.
School Director Attributes Incident To Technical Fault
Sunil Kumar, director of St Xavier’s School, visited the scene following the incident and attributed the accident to a technical fault in the vehicle.
“The vehicle’s radiator burst due to a technical fault, causing this accident. The injured children are receiving treatment. There will be no issues regarding their care.”
Police Begin Investigation
The incident has also raised questions about the school’s transportation arrangements, particularly the number of children being carried in the vehicle and its condition.
Locals alleged that school vans routinely carry more children than their intended capacity. A Magic van is generally designed to accommodate around 12–14 passengers, while the vehicle involved was reportedly carrying 22 children.
Following complaints, police have started an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Dharmendra Kumar, station house officer of Sono police station, said the children were injured after coming into contact with hot water and were undergoing treatment.
“The children were injured after coming into contact with hot water. They are currently undergoing treatment and are out of danger. The matter is being investigated.”
