In an unfortunate turn of events, a bus driver employed by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) passed away following a sudden heart attack while transporting passengers from Hyderabad to Vijayawada. The deceased individual, identified as 39-year-old Katrapu Nagaraju, hailed from Vijayawada and was operating an “Amaravati” AC bus on Monday when the incident occurred on the busy Hyderabad-Vijayawada national highway.
According to eyewitnesses, Nagaraju experienced intense chest pain and discomfort while the bus was in motion. Despite his agonizing condition, he maintained control of the steering wheel and skillfully maneuvered the heavy vehicle onto the service road. He brought the bus to a complete stop on the side of the road, ensuring that the 18 passengers on board remained unharmed. Moments after securing the vehicle and stepping down to seek help at a nearby private clinic, Nagaraju collapsed.
Passengers and local residents rushed to his aid, shifting him to a private hospital in an auto-rickshaw. However, doctors were not available there, prompting his immediate transfer to the Choutuppal Government Hospital in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. Medical staff performed an ECG and later declared him dead.
A passenger who was on the bus described Nagaraju as a hero in his final moments. He stated that despite his personal suffering, Nagaraju did not put passengers’ lives at risk but instead ensured their safety before seeking help.
Nagaraju is survived by his wife and two young children. His death has once again brought attention to the health and working conditions of APSRTC drivers, particularly the long hours that can be stressful. This incident marks the second such tragedy this month, following a similar case on January 18 where another driver, Janardhan, saved 40 passengers in Telangana’s Sangareddy district before losing his life to a heart attack.
Union leaders are now calling for improved working conditions and healthcare facilities for bus drivers in the wake of these recent incidents.
