Vijayawada Tragedy: School Bus Driver's Heart Attack Leads to Fatal Accident, Constable Attempts CPR

A morning commute turned into a scene of profound tragedy in Vijayawada on Monday as a school bus driver suffered a fatal heart attack behind the wheel, leading to a distressing accident. The incident, which unfolded on the bustling Ramavarappadu ring road, claimed the life of the driver and left two others with minor injuries, sending shockwaves through the community.

According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the ill-fated St.

Peter's School bus was transporting children when its 58-year-old driver, P. Appa Rao, suddenly collapsed. Authorities believe he suffered a severe cardiac arrest while the bus was in motion. This sudden medical emergency caused the vehicle to veer out of control, first striking a passing two-wheeler, and then crashing into a road divider, bringing a terrifying halt to its journey.

The immediate aftermath was chaotic.

Passengers, including a young child from the school bus and the rider of the two-wheeler, sustained minor injuries and were quickly attended to. However, the focus quickly shifted to the unresponsive driver. In a commendable display of civic duty and quick thinking, traffic constable Sheikh Shaban, who was nearby, rushed to the scene.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Shaban immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Appa Rao, desperately attempting to revive him.

Despite the constable's valiant efforts and the prompt arrival of medical personnel, P. Appa Rao could not be saved. He was pronounced dead, a victim of the sudden and overwhelming medical emergency that tragically unfolded while he was at work.

The loss of life in such unexpected circumstances has cast a pall over Vijayawada, prompting discussions about driver health and road safety protocols, especially for those transporting vulnerable passengers like school children.

Local police have registered a case and are investigating the incident thoroughly.

While preliminary findings point to the driver's heart attack as the primary cause, the broader implications of such an event highlight the critical need for regular health screenings for professional drivers and robust emergency response systems. This devastating accident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the unforeseen challenges that can arise on our roads.