BMTC driver dies of cardiac arrest while driving, conductor halts bus in time

A 39-year-old BMTC driver, died of a cardiac arrest while driving a bus near Yeshwantpur. As he collapsed, the bus grazed another BMTC vehicle, but the quick-thinking conductor swiftly brought it to a stop.

In Short

• A BMTC driver, Kiran, died of cardiac arrest while driving near Yeshwantpur
• The bus grazed another vehicle, but the conductor stopped it in time
• A study had shown over 40% of BMTC employees aged 45-60 are at risk of cardiovascular diseases

A Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) driver tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest while operating a bus near Yeshwantpur on Monday. Kiran, 39, who worked at BMTC Depot 40, was driving the bus from Nelamangala to Yeshwantpur when he suddenly experienced severe chest pain and lost consciousness.

Footage from the bus’s interior camera revealed that as the driver was falling unconscious, the bus grazed another BMTC bus before it continued moving forward.

The quick-thinking conductor took control of the moving bus and safely brought it to a stop, averting a potential disaster. Kiran was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead by doctors upon arrival. BMTC officials have lauded the conductor’s actions, which prevented further tragedy.

A health analysis released in September last year revealed that over 40% of 7,635 BMTC employees aged 45-60, evaluated at the State-run Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, are at risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The study, conducted under a memorandum of understanding between BMTC and the institute, also found 5.5% of employees with established heart conditions, along with high rates of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity among the workforce. BMTC plans to evaluate another 2,500 employees in the coming months, according to institute director Dr. C.N. Manjunath.

“Due to the nature of their work, their stress levels are high, with little time for exercise and erratic eating habits due to continuous driving, overwork, and night duties,” Dr. C.N. Manjunath had said.

The recent incident highlights the growing health concerns among BMTC employees, emphasising the urgent need for regular health evaluations