Students from a private Canberra high school had a frightening start to the week when they were forced to evacuate their bus after a mobile phone reportedly caught fire on board.
Smoke prompts swift evacuation
The incident occurred on the morning of Monday, December 8, 2025. ACT Emergency Services confirmed the bus was travelling between Fraser West, Dunlop and Macgregor when it was stopped between Shoobridge Circuit and Lance Hill Avenue in Dunlop just after 9am.
Smoke was seen coming from a student's mobile phone, prompting the driver to take immediate action. All passengers, understood to be high school students from a private school in Florey, were evacuated quickly and safely from the vehicle.
Minor injuries treated at scene
Emergency services attended and confirmed that two students received treatment for minor smoke inhalation at the location. Fortunately, the situation was brought under control without the need for anyone to be transported to hospital.
ACT Policing was notified of the incident at approximately 9.30am. The response highlighted the coordinated efforts of local authorities to ensure student welfare during the unexpected emergency.
Safety reminders after device malfunction
While the exact cause of the phone malfunction is not yet confirmed, the event serves as a stark reminder of the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in personal electronic devices. Such incidents, though rare, can occur without warning.
The swift evacuation prevented any serious injury and demonstrated the importance of emergency preparedness for school transport services. Parents and students have been reminded to report any damaged or overheating devices immediately.
