In a stunning act of presence of mind, a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) driver averted potential catastrophe on Saturday afternoon when he suffered a heart attack while behind the wheel—yet managed to bring his bus to a safe stop.

Key facts

  • Driver Lakshman, 60, experienced severe chest pain while operating the bus
  • The vehicle carried approximately 50 passengers from Maddunur to Jagtial
  • He successfully stopped the bus roadside before losing consciousness
  • Lakshman was rushed to Government General Hospital in Jagtial and regained consciousness after treatment
  • His condition is now stable
  • He was scheduled to retire on Monday, August 31, 2026—just two days after the incident

A Race Against Consciousness

The afternoon journey turned critical somewhere between Maddunur in Buggaram mandal and Jagtial town. Lakshman felt the sudden, severe chest pain that signals cardiac distress. With seconds mattering, he fought through the pain to maneuver the heavy vehicle to the roadside.

Passengers watched, unaware of the medical emergency unfolding in the driver's seat until the bus settled to a halt. Then, as the vehicle secured itself, Lakshman lost consciousness—his final duty complete.

Swift Response and Recovery

Those onboard quickly realized the gravity of the situation. They rushed Lakshman to Jagtial's Government General Hospital, where medical staff administered urgent treatment.

There's relief in the aftermath: Lakshman regained consciousness and doctors report his condition as stable. The quiet professionalism of his final moments behind the wheel saved countless families from tragedy.

A Career's Final Act

The timing adds poignant weight to the incident. Lakshman was just two days from retirement when this emergency struck—a career spanning decades ending with one ultimate test of skill and dedication.

His actions Saturday afternoon demonstrated why public transport drivers deserve our deepest respect. They carry more than passengers; they carry responsibility for human lives, sometimes at the cost of their own.