Students take control of school bus after driver collapses and dies
Three quick-thinking high school students took control of a moving bus to save about 25 passengers on board after the driver became unconscious and later died.
Bus driver Gerald Gardner had just picked up students at a Texas high school in the US and was leaving the campus when he lost consciousness.
The bus began rolling across the highway until three quick-thinking students from Sealy High School and Sealy Junior High quickly took control of the wheel and safely parked the bus, WUSA9 reported.
Southeast Texas school district officials say three other passers-by arrived at the scene and performed CPR on Mr Gardner after taking him off the bus.
Despite their best efforts Mr Gardner, who was reportedly aged in his 70s, was later pronounced dead. A cause of death was not immediately known.
The three students’ actions were commended for ensuring the safety of about 25 passengers on board.
“Once they got the bus stopped they killed the engine,” said Sealy Independent School District Assistant Principal Doug Young.
“One of other high school boys in the back evacuated students off back of bus, just like they’ve been trained to do.”
In a statement, the school district says it was “extremely grateful” for Mr Gardner’s years of service.
– with AP
