A smoking school bus nearly caught fire Wednesday in East Harlem, injuring five disabled children and four adults, police said.

The kids and their chaperons were transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital for smoke inhalation, police said.

The bus engine started smoking near 106th street and Park Avenue because of “regular engine problems,” a transportation investigator said.

Severe smoke damage could be seen from the hood of the bus and the stars also appeared damaged.

All ten people on the bus evacuated and all had minor injuries, cops said.

The bus was transporting children from an institute for mentally and disabled people, police said.