Incredible scenes: Students took control of a bus and averted a tragedy after the driver passed out
Dramatic scenes took place on a school bus in the US state of Mississippi, where dozens of students were one step away from a possible tragedy, after the driver suffered an asthma attack and passed out during the ride. Within moments, their colleagues reacted quickly and managed to take control, avoiding a serious accident.
The bus had recently left Hancock Middle School in Hancock County with about 40 students on board when the 46-year-old woman behind the wheel went into respiratory distress. She tried to administer her medication, but lost consciousness before she could, according to international media.
The students took control of the bus PHOTO: video capture
In just a few seconds, several students intervened decisively.
Jackson Casnave, 12, who was in the seat behind the driver, noticed that the bus was starting to veer off course and took control of the steering while alerting other classmates to call for help.
Another student, Darrius Clark, also 12, applied the brakes, and together they were able to bring the bus safely into a median and stop it.
Also, his sister, Kayleigh Clark, 13, quickly moved to the front of the vehicle and called 911. According to her, the intervention was made difficult by the general commotion on the bus.
Other students later intervened to help the driver.
Destiny Cornelius administered the medication after noticing the woman had a nebulizer on her, while McKenzy Finch supported her head and answered her phone, contacting the school district's transportation team.
The driver was later transported to the hospital and made a full recovery.
School authorities praised the quick response of the students, who were rewarded at an event held at the school.
“What they did took courage. They didn't wait for someone to intervene, they acted themselves”said the director of the educational unit, Melissa Saucier.
