Courageous 13-year-old boy averts accident on school bus as driver dies behind steering wheel
Augustine Nii Odoi Laryea, a 13-year-old student at Carefield School Complex in Bawjiase, Central Region, has been hailed as a hero after his quick actions prevented a disaster on a school bus.
Last month, Augustine noticed that the bus was swerving erratically and realised something was wrong with the driver. Acting on instinct, he stepped on the brakes and managed to bring the bus to a stop, averting a potential accident.
The incident, which went unnoticed by the media at the time, came to light when Augustine was featured on the morning show “Onua Maakye” of the local language TV station Onua TV.
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Augustine explained that he became alarmed when the bus started veering from lane to lane, a behavior unlike the usual cautious driving of the driver. As they approached a construction site near Opembo Bridge, Augustine saw that the bus was heading towards a dangerous pit. Concerned for everyone’s safety, he quickly applied the brakes.
Despite Augustine’s brave intervention, the bus did not come to a complete stop. However, with the help of a caterer and another teacher, they managed to secure the bus with a chock, allowing everyone to safely disembark.
The unconscious driver was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately passed away.
Augustine’s courage and quick thinking have impressed both his teachers and fellow bus drivers at Carefield School Complex.
In recognition of his heroic actions, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has decided to honour Augustine during the school’s graduation ceremony in September.
