Muscat – An incident on Monday in which a student was left inside a school bus in Seeb, Muscat has triggered public concern and renewed calls for stricter safety measures in school transportation. The Directorate General of Education in Muscat said it followed the case closely after footage circulated on social media. In a clarification […]
Muscat – An incident on Monday in which a student was left inside a school bus in Seeb, Muscat has triggered public concern and renewed calls for stricter safety measures in school transportation.
The Directorate General of Education in Muscat said it followed the case closely after footage circulated on social media. In a clarification issued on Wednesday, it confirmed that the student was found in good health, adding that legal procedures were initiated immediately in coordination with the relevant authorities.
The episode is the second such incident reported in just over two months. In October, a schoolgirl died after being left inside a locked bus in Suwaiq, North Batinah prompting nationwide scrutiny of school transport safety practices.
Parents and community members said the latest case highlights persistent gaps in enforcement. Saleh al Nabhani said strict adherence to safety procedures is essential, particularly daily inspection of buses before and after trips. “Student safety is a shared responsibility that requires 100% commitment of everyone involved in the school transport system,” he said.
According to education specialist Hamad al Kharousi, even isolated incidents require a comprehensive review of procedures. He called for enhanced training for drivers and supervisors, alongside stronger oversight. “Safety must be embedded as a core value within the educational process.”
Ahmed al Shukaili, a parent, urged wider adoption of technology in school buses, including alert and tracking systems; preventive investment could help avert serious humanitarian and legal consequences.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Directorate General of Education said it would continue to enforce regulations governing school transportation to ensure a safe learning environment.
Separately, the Ministry of Education directed all public and private schools to improve bus safety and security measures in line with the School Education Law. Issued on October 13, the circular requires immediate compliance. Under the directive, school buses must be fitted with a rear engine stop button and display safety awareness posters on both sides within two months. Schools must also record student attendance during the first class of the day and promptly inform parents if a student is absent.
The ministry has instructed school safety, security and health committees to hold regular meetings with drivers, conduct awareness programmes and carry out routine inspections. The use of tinted windows, curtains and iron bars has been banned, while windows must remain open after student drop-off to ensure ventilation.
Educational directorates across the governorates will form monitoring teams and submit quarterly reports to the ministry, officials said.
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