'Exploding capsules' which 'could be lethal' set off on Edinburgh school bus

Parents of pupils at an Edinburgh school have been warned after “explosive capsules” which “could be lethal” were set off on a school bus.

In a letter, St Augustine’s R.C. High School said small “boom bags” had been activated and thrown down the coach while it travelled to school.

Triggered by squeezing a small capsule to release citric acid – which then combines with bicarbonate of soda crystals to produce an explosion – “boom bags” can usually be found at joke shops.

They are not fireworks, but the school warned that their effect “could be lethal” if the driver becomes distracted while the bus is in motion.

It continued: “Cases have also been widely reported where exploding devices have caused facial injury.

“Therefore, we have taken the decision to report this matter to the police.”

It then listed numerous ways that they expect pupils to behave on the bus, which includes remaining in their seat, wearing a seat belt, being polite, not throwing things on the bus, not damaging the vehicle and reporting bad behaviour to the school.

The school added: “Inappropriate behaviour can take a variety of forms and jeopardise individual safety or, in the case of bullying, undermine pupils’ willingness to use school transport.

“The safety of pupils using school transport, particularly when boarding and alighting a bus, could be jeopardised as a direct consequence of inappropriate behaviour.”

It advised parents that they and school staff play a key role and encouraging students to “behave responsibly” on school transport, and outlined recommendations to help them be “good passengers”.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating: “Police in Edinburgh were made aware of an incident where a small boom bag toy was set off on a school bus in Broomhouse Road on Tuesday, October 11.

“No one was injured and the School Liaison Officer for the area will be engaging with pupils at the school to discuss the potential risks of distracting the bus driver while the vehicle is in motion.”