An Arriva driver got the fright of his life this afternoon when the sound of an explosion - similar to a petard - rattled the bus.

White smoke was seen coming out of the bus - which was empty other than for the driver.

The incident happened in St Anne Street, Floriana, as the vehicle was being driven towards Marsa at about 3.35 p.m.

An eyewitness said the sound was so loud that people came out from nearby shops to see what had happened.

The driver moved the bus to the side of the road and called for assistance. There were no obvious signs of damage.

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