Children overcome by fumes on bus

Eight children have been taken to hospital after breathing in fumes on a school bus in Norfolk.

They were on a vehicle carrying more than 40 children to Hobart School in South Norfolk.

When they arrived at school some of them had breathing difficulties and said they were feeling nauseous.

Headteacher John Robson said the children were all expected to be released from hospital later or on Saturday.

Bus examined

He said: "There were about eight or nine of them who were not right.

"We telephoned the emergency services and they were here very promptly and diagnosed that eight children were suffering from smoke inhalation."

Four children were taken to the James Paget University Hospital and four to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Mr Robson said: "We understand from preliminary investigations that oil from somewhere within the vehicle got onto the engine and vaporised and then got into the coach."

Norfolk County Council said the bus was currently being examined by vehicle inspectors.

"Our first concern is for the welfare of the students and we have ensured that the vehicle will not return to service for Norfolk County Council until we are wholly satisfied that it is safe for use," a statement said.