NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina warned of an antifreeze leak years before an incident involving a school bus in Matthews on Monday.
A hose connected to the engine of a school bus burst, spraying scalding antifreeze on students. It left five students in need of medical treatment and many more with small burns and soaked book bags.
STORY: Officials: 5 students hurt, 1 seriously in school bus anti-freeze leak
The leak issue is more common in rear engine buses.
Fewer than 300 of 13,500 North Carolina school buses have a rear engine.
The school bus involved Monday is 17 years old, but just passed inspection two and a half weeks ago.
Depending on the Union County School District's investigation, the state may send a memo to all districts requesting engines are checked.
CHOPPER 9 IMAGES: Scene of school bus mechanical issue
Reporter Liz Foster spoke to one parent who saw the injuries on some Porter Ridge Middle School students. She said it was scary, and is upset the school district is not answering many questions.
DOC: Memo about Thomas MVP Rear Engine Heater Fitting Replacement / Hose Inspection
Channel 9 reached out to the bus's maker, Thomas Built Buses, about the incident. The company released the following:
"Thomas Built Buses offers its sincere condolences to all individuals involved. The safety of the children our buses transport is of the highest importance to our company and our employees. Until this incident is investigated and we have a clear picture of what happened we will have no further comment on this matter."