A school trip on Thursday did not go entirely according to plan for 50 toddlers and their supervisors from the T’Winckeling municipal school in Zwevegem, West Flanders. On the return journey, the air conditioning system in the bus stopped working. That led to an emergency stop along the highway and a call to 112. “Initially it was thought that the ride could be completed, but over time some children got into trouble.”
Regional journalist at HLN
“There was nothing wrong with the school trip to Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges,” says Arthur Buckens (N-VA), councilor for education in Zwevegem. “The 50 toddlers, their teachers and supervisors enjoyed it to the fullest. But on the return journey it turned out that the air conditioning on the bus was broken. As a result, the temperature rose. Initially it was thought that the journey could be completed, but over time some children got into trouble. Although it was only about five kilometers to the destination, it was decided to call the emergency center and stop at the highway parking along the E17 in Marke.”
A medical team rushed to the scene, as did a federal highway police patrol. “Each of the 50 toddlers was checked,” says Arthur Buckens. “Two children were taken to hospital for a check-up, but they are also doing well. This also became apparent a day later at school, when everyone was present healthy and well.” Traveling further with the bus in question was no longer an option. “The bus company from Kortrijk, with whom we have been working well for many years, took responsibility and immediately sent another bus, with air conditioning. The last kilometers were therefore in a pleasant temperature.”
The school also sent a message to all parents afterwards to inform them of the unexpected adventure. “I would like to compliment everyone involved because they acted well,” says Arthur Buckens. “It is simply impossible to predict that an air conditioning system will break down. Something like this can always happen and it is not a problem, as long as there is a good response. That happened here and we are happy about that.”