A major accident was narrowly avoided on Friday morning in Bhopal when a bus driver ferrying 40 passengers, mostly women, suddenly fell ill while driving. The heroic actions of an employment assistant and a Kotwar, who were on board, ensured that the situation did not turn into a disaster.
The incident occurred around 11:45 AM near Vidya Nagar in Bhopal. The bus, which had started its journey from Bherunda Jamunia Bajypta village in Sehore district at around 7:30 AM, was en route to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's program in the city when the driver, Sandeep Kahar, suddenly began experiencing severe health issues. Eyewitnesses reported that he started breathing heavily, stomping his feet, and eventually lost control of the steering.
Sensing the danger, Amit Sharma, an Employment Assistant, and a Kotwar, both seated behind the driver, acted quickly. They managed to take control of the steering wheel and brought the bus to a halt, preventing a potential tragedy. Sharma then laid the driver on a seat and immediately started administering CPR, suspecting that the driver might be suffering from a heart attack. Other passengers on board assisted by rubbing the driver’s feet to stimulate circulation.
“I have seen many such cases in videos and my own mother suffers from high BP, so I knew immediate action was needed,” said Amit Sharma, recalling the quick response.
Emergency services were called, and Ambulance 108 arrived at the scene within 10 minutes. Sharma also informed SDM Prabal Arajaria about the incident. The driver was quickly rushed to SMH Hospital, where he was admitted directly into the ICU.
Dr. Avinash Agarwal, Medical Superintendent at SMH Hospital, stated, “The patient arrived around 11:30 AM with symptoms of acute panic—difficulty in breathing, excessive sweating, and slurred speech. His blood pressure was around 150, and his heart rate had risen to over 120 bpm. We initially suspected a cardiac issue and immediately transferred him to the Cardiac Care Unit for treatment.”
Two cardiologists began treatment immediately, stabilizing the driver within a short time. As of the latest update, the driver’s condition is now stable and he remains under observation.
Tehsildar Saurabh Sharma, who visited the hospital after being informed by the SDM, praised the swift response of the passengers, especially Amit Sharma and the Kotwar. "Their presence of mind and bravery have certainly averted a potential tragedy," he said. Their actions have earned widespread praise from officials and locals alike.