The school bus carrying the eight boys who were hospitalised on Monday was last inspected in August for annual roadworthiness tests, Transport Malta said.

The children – Year 5 pupils at De La Salle College – were hospitalised due to a problem with the bus’s air conditioner during a school trip, which raised fears that there was gas leaking from it.

According to a Transport Malta spokesman, coaches, like other passenger transport vehicles, must undergo roadworthiness tests annually, as opposed to biennially for private cars.

However, the spokesman did not comment on whether there was anything wrong with the air conditioner.

“TM officials carry out technical inspections on such vehicles when a specific complaint or report is lodged and during incident investigations,” the spokesman said, adding that the incident was the first one reported this year.

According to the authority spokesman, when vehicles fail the annual roadworthiness test, their licence is not renewed and they therefore cannot operate.

The boys were hospitalised due to a problem with the air conditioner

All the pupils involved in the incident were dismissed from hospital a few hours later, the Education Ministry said.

De La Salle College director Martin Borg said that none of the children suffered any injuries and had been taken to hospital “only as a precaution”.

“There were no gas leaks or fumes, despite reports in the media claiming this. All children were examined there and then, and some were taken to hospital for further checks.

“But only as a precaution. In fact they were released from hospital immediately,” Bro. Martin said.

He would not say which company provided the service but insisted that the school would always take any steps necessary to make sure that the children were safe.

On whether the school would be taking any action against the company which provided the bus service, Bro. Martin said that it would not, as all the children were safe and “the parents were satisfied”.