BMTC driver's split second decision averts tragedy

The Pushpak bus (KA 01 F 1806, route number 285 M) from Doddaballapur was moving towards Kempegowda Bus Stand, its final destination with about 30 passengers in it.

There was a long queue of vehicles near Allalasandra railway gate as the gate was closed to facilitate Yeshwanthpur-Kachigude express train to pass around 9.30 pm. The driver found it difficult to control the bus when it was nearing the railway gate.

He realised that the brakes had given away and suddenly diverted the bus towards his left to avoid collision with the vehicles near the gate. The bus moved out of the roads towards left side and stopped after it touched stone pieces across two tracks, added the police.

There was chaos inside the bus as passengers started crying for help. Some of them fell inside the bus when they tried to get down. However, the driver intervened and requested the passengers not to panic. Within minutes after the bus stopped, the express train passed through Allalasandra Gate.

The driver decided to divert the bus fearing collision with the vehicles near the gate. He chose to divert the bus towards the left side as it has a slope. The consequences would have been tragic had the driver been late by a few minutes, added the police.
The local residents rushed to the spot after the bus stopped and helped the police, driver and conductor in providing alternative arrangements for the passengers.