Updated - Adds video comments - Arriva Malta said today that the buses are safe, and yesterday's incidents where two bendy buses caught fire appeared to be unrelated.
"Arriva would like to reassure the public that its buses are safe and that passenger safety remains a top priority for the company. While visually the situations were certainly striking, the well-being and safety of our passengers and employees were never put at risk,” the company said.
"All Arriva’s buses undergo regular thorough checks and are also regulated by the local authority. Indeed, both vehicles involved in this weekend’s incidents, had regularly passed their annual VRT tests, with the most recent one in June."
EXTRA CHECKS
Arriva said it is carrying out an 'extraordinary fleet check' on the buses as an extra precaution to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the vehicles are safe for passengers and drivers. It has been 'in consultation' with Transport Malta regarding the incidents.
"Arriva Malta is taking these incidents very seriously and is in full collaboration with the the Police who have launched a magisterial inquiry. At the time of writing investigators have not ruled out arson," the company added.
GWU HOLDS URGENT MEETING
This afternoon, the GWU had an urgent meeting with the management of Arriva about the safety of the buses for drivers and passengers.
The meeting was requested by the union after yesterday's events.
The union wrote to the company to express its concern.
It also wrote to Transport Malta and the health and Safety Authority asking them to investigate the safety standards of bendy buses and their general condition.
The union said it would consider all necessary measures to safeguard its members.
MINISTER MEETS TRANSPORT MALTA, ARRIVA
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi this morning held a meeting with Transport Malta and Arriva.
He also asked Transport Malta to appoint technical experts to investigate the fires.
Mr Mizzi said he expects the investigation to be completed within a week and he would act accordingly.