Health & Lifestyle
Champawat Bus Mishap Claims Driver’s Life but Saves 34 Passengers
In an extraordinary act of courage, an Uttarakhand Roadways bus driver lost his life while saving 34 passengers after the vehicle’s brakes failed on a steep downhill stretch in Champawat district. His quick thinking prevented what could have been a major tragedy.
A heroic act by an Uttarakhand Roadways driver saved the lives of 34 passengers on Wednesday when he deliberately steered a bus into a hillside after its brakes failed on a dangerous downhill stretch in Champawat district.
The driver, Beniram Thwal, aged 49 and a resident of Champawat, sacrificed his own life while attempting to avert a catastrophic accident. According to police, the bus was travelling from Dharchula to Tanakpur when its braking system failed near Marodakhan, around 18 kilometres from Champawat.
The incident occurred at approximately 10 am on the all-weather road, a crucial route connecting several hill regions of Uttarakhand. As the bus began descending a slope uncontrollably, Thwal quickly assessed the situation and made the split-second decision to steer the vehicle into a hillside to stop its movement.
His action successfully prevented the bus from plunging into a gorge or colliding with other vehicles, thereby saving all 34 passengers on board. However, during the maneuver, the driver was crushed under the front wheel of the bus and sustained fatal injuries.
Police and local authorities praised Thwal’s courage and presence of mind, noting that his sacrifice prevented a potentially devastating accident. Passengers and eyewitnesses also acknowledged his decisive action, describing him as a hero who put the lives of others before his own safety.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration across the region, with many paying tribute to the driver for his selfless act. Authorities are also expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the brake failure and assess the mechanical condition of the vehicle.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by public transport operators navigating mountainous terrain, where quick decisions can make the difference between life and death.
