School bus tyre falls into 1m-wide sinkhole in Penang, over 20 students safely evacuated

School bus’ tyre gets stuck in 1-metre sinkhole in Penang

More than 20 primary school students were trapped inside a school bus after it became stuck in a sinkhole in Penang, Malaysia, early on Wednesday morning (16 Oct).

According to Sin Chew Daily, the incident took place at around 7am, when the bus driver stepped out and discovered that one of the vehicle’s tyres had fallen into a 1m-wide hole.

The hole was apparently filled with water and emitting a foul smell.

Fortunately, all the students were able to get off the bus safely and no one was injured from the incident.

The driver promptly arranged for another bus to transport them to school.

Sinkhole worsened after driver tried to free vehicle

Meanwhile, the driver attempted to drive the bus out of the sinkhole but was unsuccessful, with his efforts reportedly widening the hole further.

The bus was eventually freed from the sinkhole after being towed by a truck.

Sinkhole caused by burst underground water pipe

After the incident, the Public Works Department arrived at the scene and initially determined that the sinkhole had likely been caused by a burst underground water pipe.

The prolonged leak had eroded the soil, causing it to soften and give way under the weight of the bus.

Locals noted that the road is a main thoroughfare used by many vehicles.

Authorities have cordoned off the affected area for repairs.

Local officials from the Penang Island City Council also announced plans to conduct a full assessment and carry out necessary repairs on the road.

Also read: Large sinkhole opens at Bangkok road junction, traffic diverted

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Featured image adapted from Sin Chew Daily, Majoriti