[Sportschosun, Jang Jong-ho] A bus driver in China is drawing praise after suffering a sudden heart attack while driving but still managing to control the vehicle until his final moments, saving the lives of his passengers. Sadly, he later died.
According to Chinese-language media outlets, including Xinchu Daily, Zhou Yu, a 43-year-old bus driver operating a university shuttle in Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, suddenly began losing consciousness while on duty on the afternoon of the 15th. There were 12 passengers on board, including students and staff members.
Security camera footage from the vehicle shows Zhou Yu desperately trying to keep control even after he began showing sudden signs of distress.
Although he was in severe pain and repeatedly pitched forward, he struggled to stay conscious. Over about 16 seconds, he lurched forward four times, but each time he straightened himself and stayed focused on driving.
The video also captured him pressing hard on the brake to avoid colliding with the car in front, which had stopped at a traffic light. After bringing the vehicle to a halt, he then lost consciousness and collapsed.
Passengers who noticed something was wrong immediately called for help, and police and medical personnel rushed to the scene to perform emergency treatment, including CPR. However, Zhou Yu never regained consciousness. The hospital said the cause of death was a myocardial infarction (MI) resulting from acute coronary syndrome.
Local media reported that he was a veteran driver with 22 years of experience and had driven about 340,000 kilometers without a single accident.
After news of the incident spread, tributes and messages of gratitude poured in on Social Networking Service (SNS) platforms in China. Netizens honored the deceased, calling him "a true driver who put passengers first until the very last moment" and "a hero who placed others' safety above his own." All 12 passengers were reported to have escaped injury.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
