A bus conductor prevented a horrific accident after a private bus driver collapsed and died at the wheel in India. The driver, Pabhu, suddenly had a heart attack while on duty, prompting the bus conductor, identified as Wimal, to rush for the brakes.
According to reports, the bus had departed from Palani bus stand in Dindigul district and was en route to Pudukkottai village when the incident occurred on Friday. As the vehicle made its way along the route, driver Prabhu suddenly complained of chest pain. The bus featured a security camera, which captured the bus driver interacting with the conductor. Moments later, he collapsed while the bus was still moving.
Recognising the emergency, conductor Wimal acted without hesitation and quickly reached for the handbrake. In the video, a female passenger is thrown from her seat as he manages to stop the bus safely on the side of the road, preventing a possible crash.
When the bus came to a stop, passengers could be seen flocking to the driver’s side, but they were unable to assist him. Police arrived at the scene shortly after being alerted, and Prabhu was pronounced dead on the spot. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the bus.
The news of his sudden death sent shockwaves through the community, especially given the circumstances and the fact that the bus had been in motion when he collapsed. Police launched an investigation into the incident.
Speaking to reporters with visible distress, Wimal recounted the harrowing moment. He told the local reporters in India that the driver collapsed shortly after telling him that he was experiencing chest pain. “I couldn’t help it…he fell off the steering wheel. I immediately applied the handbrake and stopped the bus, saving many lives. But I couldn’t save the driver,” he said. Wimal is now hailed as a hero by residents and Indian news outlets.
