Odisha: Bus driver's heroic act saves 48 passengers before succumbing to cardiac arrest

In a harrowing incident, 48 passengers on an overnight journey to Bhubaneswar narrowly escaped a calamity as their bus driver, who suffered a cardiac arrest, displayed remarkable presence of mind.

The driver skillfully maneuvered the bus, crashing it into a roadside wall, bringing it to a halt just before his unfortunate demise, reported PTI, citing the police report. This incident unfolded near Paburia village in Kandhamal district on a fateful Friday night.

The driver, identified as Sana Pradhan, began experiencing severe chest pain while behind the wheel, leading to a loss of control over the vehicle. Recognizing his incapacitation, he made a split-second decision to steer the bus into a roadside wall, successfully bringing it to a stop and, in the process, safeguarding the lives of all the passengers on board.


Kalyanamayee Sendha, the inspector-in-charge of Tikabali police station, commended Pradhan's quick thinking, stating, "He realized that he would not be able to drive further. So, he crashed the vehicle against a roadside wall, following which it came to a stop, and the lives of the passengers could be saved."

The bus, a private carrier known as 'Maa Laxmi,' typically operates from Sarangarh in Kandhamal to the state capital, Bhubaneswar, via G Udayagiri, on its nightly route.

Following the incident, Pradhan was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital, but medical professionals, after examination, confirmed his tragic demise, attributing it to a cardiac arrest, as reported by the police.

Shortly thereafter, with a new driver at the helm, the bus resumed its journey towards its intended destination with the relieved passengers on board.

Following a post-mortem examination, Sana Pradhan's remains were returned to his family.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway, added Inspector Sendha, as per a PTI report.

(With inputs from PTI)