Tamil Nadu: Bus Driver Suffers Heart Attack Mid-Journey, Conductor Saves 30+ Lives With Quick Thinking

A major accident was averted in Palani on Friday when a bus conductor stepped in to stop a moving vehicle after the driver suffered a sudden medical emergency mid-route. While over 30 passengers escaped without injury, the driver, 30-year-old Prabhu, died despite efforts to save him.

Conductor's Presence Of Mind Saves Passengers

The incident occurred as the private bus was traveling from Palani bus stand to Pudukottai village. As the vehicle approached Kanakkanpatti, Prabhu, a resident of Kanchanayakanpatti, suddenly slumped to his left, letting go of the steering wheel, reported The Hindu. Reacting instantly, conductor Vimalkumar rushed forward and managed to bring the moving bus to a halt by manually applying the brake with his hands.

Surveillance footage from the bus's internal CCTV camera shows the tense moments as the driver collapsed and the bus continued moving. Among the 35 passengers onboard, a woman seated at the front was thrown forward due to the sudden braking, but no serious injuries were reported, as per a report on Times of India.

After stopping the vehicle by the roadside, Vimalkumar and other passengers attempted to stabilize the driver by helping him sit up and supporting him with a nearby iron lever, fearing he had suffered a seizure. Later, he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, reported NDTV.

The local police from Chatirapatti have launched an investigation into the cause of the medical episode and the circumstances surrounding the driver’s sudden collapse. Authorities commended conductor Vimalkumar for his life-saving intervention, crediting his swift action with preventing a potentially devastating accident.

The bus company and district officials are expected to conduct a review of health monitoring protocols for drivers following the incident.

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