Pandemonium broke out yesterday morning when a route number 40 minibus, travelling en route from Sophia  to  the Stabroek bus park, plunged headlong into the canal on Vlissengen Road , flinging commuters into the black, sludgy water.

Commuters, most of whom were school children and persons on their way to work, had a scare of their lives as the bus ran off the road.
They recalled that the bus seemingly developed mechanical problems and was making a funny sound as it travelled. As the vehicle, travelling west along Garnett Street, approached Vlissengen Road, the driver tried to negotiate the bend, but lost control, and the vehicle ended up in the canal.
Some commuters managed to scramble onto the grass at the verge of the canal, while others were pulled out of the canal by passersby.
Several persons were injured, though not seriously and were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were treated.
The bus was later pulled out of the canal by a crash truck.
Police are investigating.