Two children left locked in school bus for five hours in Chania

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, two children aged four and five were found locked inside a KTEL Chania-Rethymno school bus in a village in the hinterland of Chania. The children, who attend pre-kindergarten, remained trapped in the vehicle for approximately five hours after they were not noticed by the bus driver or the monitor during the morning drop-off.

The incident came to light when a parent arrived at the school to deliver lunch for her child, who was starting a full-day program. School staff informed the mother that her child had not arrived that day, triggering a search. Upon returning to the parked bus shortly before 1:00 p.m. to prepare for the return route, the driver discovered both children in a distressed state. Reports indicate that the minors were found crying and in poor physical condition.

Parents have expressed significant concern regarding the safety of the transport system, stating that neither they nor their children wish to use the service again. The incident has raised serious questions about supervision protocols for school transportation in the region. As of now, there is no further information on potential disciplinary actions or investigations following this oversight.