Tamil Nadu Conductor Hailed as Hero After Driver Dies Mid Journey
When a driver collapsed from a heart attack mid-route, Tamil Nadu conductor Vimalkumar’s quick actions saved 35 lives. Here’s the full story behind the viral moment.
On an ordinary Friday morning, a routine bus ride turned into a moment of sheer terror—and then, remarkable courage. Around 10:00 AM on May 23, 2025, in the quiet village of Kanakkanpatti, Tamil Nadu, a tragedy nearly unfolded when 30-year-old bus driver Prabhu suffered a fatal cardiac arrest mid-route. But thanks to the calm heroism of conductor Vimalkumar, disaster was averted, and 35 passengers were spared what could have been a devastating crash.
The private bus, en route from Palani to Pudukottai, was navigating a narrow cattle track when Prabhu, a resident of Palani with no prior heart issues, suddenly clutched his chest in pain and collapsed at the wheel. Witnesses recall his final act—calling out to his conductor before going limp. That moment was captured on CCTV footage that would soon go viral across Tamil Nadu and the country.
Without hesitation, Vimalkumar, who had been assisting passengers toward the back of the vehicle, sprang into action. Rushing forward, he physically crouched beneath the falling driver, using his hands to engage the foot brake while simultaneously pulling the handbrake and cutting off the engine. The bus came to a safe stop inches away from a potential plunge off the rural path. Inside, there was stunned silence—followed by tears of relief.
“I didn’t think. I just ran. All I could see were the faces of the passengers—some holding children, others screaming,” Vimalkumar told local reporters later. “Stopping the bus was the only thing that mattered.”
Despite desperate attempts by passengers and Vimalkumar to revive Prabhu using chest compressions and basic first aid, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the local government hospital. The autopsy later confirmed a sudden cardiac arrest, likely due to a coronary blockage—part of a disturbing rise in such deaths across India, especially among young working adults.
The incident’s CCTV footage, shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), drew emotional reactions nationwide. One post read, “A real-life hero—he didn’t wear a cape but saved 35 lives in a blink.” Hashtags like #PalaniHero and #Vimalkumar trended for days, with thousands applauding his quick thinking.
Local officials in Dindigul district, moved by the footage and passenger testimonies, have recommended Vimalkumar for a state bravery award. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, though not affiliated with the private bus company involved, issued a rare statement honoring him: “His presence of mind exemplifies what it means to serve with courage and compassion.”
However, beyond the applause lies a deeper, troubling context: Prabhu’s sudden death is part of a growing public health crisis. According to WHO Global Health Estimates (2023), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for nearly 30% of all deaths in India. Alarming trends indicate a rise in cardiac arrests among individuals aged 30–50—particularly in high-stress, sedentary occupations like long-distance driving.
“This incident is a wake-up call,” says Dr. V. Rajendran, a cardiologist based in Chennai. “Bus drivers, like many daily wage earners, often skip check-ups. They face tremendous physical strain, irregular diets, and zero health screenings. What happened to Prabhu is, sadly, not rare anymore.”
The case also highlights rural India’s critical healthcare gaps. Emergency medical services in remote areas like Kanakkanpatti can take 15–30 minutes to arrive—an excruciating delay when seconds matter. The bus, according to reports, had no defibrillator or standardized first-aid kit.
So what can be done to prevent future tragedies?
Health experts and policymakers are now advocating for three urgent reforms:
- Mandatory Annual Health Screenings:
Bus drivers and conductors should undergo ECGs, lipid profiles, and cardiac stress tests. Services like 1mg’s RootFix Advance Health Test could be subsidized by state governments for transport workers. - Emergency Protocol Training:
Just like Vimalkumar’s quick actions, other transport staff must be trained in CPR, vehicle control in emergencies, and passenger safety drills. TNSTC and private operators alike need to make this standard. - Public Awareness Campaigns:
Cardiovascular risk awareness needs to reach the grassroots. Whether it’s urban techies or rural bus drivers, the signs of heart trouble—chest pain, fatigue, dizziness—must not be ignored.
This story is not just about one man’s bravery—it’s about the value of preparation, the price of neglect, and the potential for change. As one elderly passenger put it after the dust settled, “We thought it was our last moment. But thanks to that young conductor, we’re alive to hug our families tonight.”
It’s time we make sure more people like Prabhu don’t leave us too soon. And that more everyday heroes like Vimalkumar are ready, trained, and celebrated—not just in hashtags, but in policy.
Sources:
- The Hindu, May 23, 2025
- India Today, May 24, 2025