In a terrifying incident on the Chitradurga highway, a private bus driver's presence of mind averted what could have been a catastrophic loss of young lives. Sachin, a 25-year-old driver, managed to save 43 pre-university students travelling from Bengaluru's T Dasarahalli to Dandeli after a horrific collision involving a sleeper bus and a container truck in the early hours of Thursday.
A Routine Journey Turns Into a Nightmare
Sachin was driving the students overnight when the unthinkable happened. A sleeper bus overtook his vehicle on the highway in Chitradurga district. Moments later, a container truck suddenly jumped the median and ploughed straight into the sleeper bus. The impact caused the bus to burst into flames instantly. Sachin recalled seeing sparks fly before the vehicle turned into a fireball. He slammed the brakes and swerved desperately to avoid a direct collision.
Heroic Actions Prevent Greater Tragedy
Despite his quick reaction, the front of Sachin's bus clipped the burning sleeper coach before veering off the road and landing near a ditch. The impact shattered his windscreen, leaving him with a serious head injury. Miraculously, not a single student among the 43 on board suffered any injury. Police officials, including IGP (eastern range) BR Ravikanthe Gowda, confirmed that the accident would have been far more gruesome had Sachin been distracted or acted a moment later.
After ensuring his passengers were safe, Sachin, bleeding from his injury, ran towards the inferno that was once the sleeper bus. Diesel from the ruptured fuel tank had ignited, and screams filled the night air. "Along with a few others who had gathered, he began pulling passengers out through shattered windows," recounted an official. Thick smoke and unbearable heat made the rescue nearly impossible. They managed to pull out seven passengers before the raging fire forced them back. Moments later, the bus was completely engulfed in flames.
Aftermath and Recognition of Bravery
Sachin returned to his bus, alerted his travel agent, and ensured the students were taken care of. The shaken students later continued their journey to Dandeli in another bus, likely unaware of how close they had come to disaster. Police shifted Sachin to a nearby hospital where he received first aid for his head injury and recorded his statement. "I tried my best to control my bus, but it still ended up brushing against the sleeper coach. None of those in my bus suffered injuries," Sachin stated modestly.
The incident highlights the critical importance of driver alertness on long highway journeys, especially at night. Sachin's composure under extreme duress stands as a testament to professional driving and sheer bravery, turning a potential mass tragedy into a story of miraculous escape and human courage.
