Coimbatore: In a heartening display of quick thinking and compassion, a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus crew in Coimbatore is being widely praised for diverting their bus to a hospital to save a passenger who suddenly fell ill. The timely action of driver P. Sasikumar and conductor G. Dinesh Kumar ensured the passenger received immediate medical attention and made a full recovery.
The incident occurred on a Route 45C bus traveling from Annur to Gandhipuram. Conductor G. Dinesh Kumar noticed a male passenger, who had boarded at Ganeshpuram, breaking into a profuse sweat. Despite the passenger initially insisting he was fine, Dinesh Kumar recognized the signs of a serious health issue. He immediately provided water and, prioritizing the passenger’s well-being over the schedule, insisted on taking him to a hospital. He promptly alerted driver P. Sasikumar to the emergency situation.
An unscheduled detour for a life
Without hesitation, driver Sasikumar deviated from the bus route near Kovilpalayam. He drove the bus one and a half kilometers to the nearest private hospital, ensuring the ailing passenger received professional medical care as quickly as possible. The bus entered the hospital premises at 7:45 PM, where the medical team took over. The crew ensured the passenger’s family was informed of his admission before even thinking about resuming their journey.
A collective effort: Passengers and crew united in compassion
The entire busload of 19 passengers displayed remarkable understanding and cooperation, supporting the unscheduled detour despite the 25-minute delay it caused to their journey. This collective empathy was crucial in enabling the crew to act decisively. The crew later thanked all the passengers for their support. Following the incident, driver Sasikumar and conductor Dinesh Kumar were formally felicitated by the State Transport Corporation for their exemplary conduct, while social media users have also hailed them as true public servants.