Mysuru: Mysuru boys Shreyas N Rao and G M Shashi Kumar who are studying in tenth standard at Navkis School were bestowed with the Hoysala Bravery State Award in Bengaluru on November 14. The duo was instrumental in rescuing more than 40 students when the bus they travelling in had caught fire.
The duo along with two more friends after noticing smoke in the bus had immediately opened emergency exit and managed to rescue more than 40 students. If the exit door was not opened on time and if Shashi and Shreyas hadn’t shown their presence of mind, there would have been a great tragedy. Within few minutes of the smoke the bus had caught fire and within no time it was totally damaged. Through the regular exit, just 15 of the passengers including teachers had managed to get out from the bus but it was through emergency exit that more than 40 students managed to get out. The duo had not only managed to open the emergency exit but also was involved in getting the students out of the bus. The efforts of bus driver Madhukumar also needs to be appreciated on this occasion.
Shreyas N Rao said, “As we are high school students we occupy the seats in the back row and I usually sit near the emergency exit. On that fateful day also, I was sitting near emergency exit. Soon after we saw smoke emanating from the engine, we after lot of struggle, managed to open the emergency exit. Within few seconds along with the smoke, fire also started. However, we immediately managed to rescue our school mates. As there was smoke and fire, it was not possible to get out from the regular door instead more than 40 students went out through the emergency exit. The school authorities too lauded us by giving certificates. We should also thank localite Anwar Pasha Uncle who too took a risk by getting inside the bus to rescue nearly five children who were seated below the seats. Bus driver Madhukar too played a major role in saving precious lives; his immediate reaction to smoke really helped avert a major tragedy. Really, it’s a matter of great pride to receive the award from the chief minister”. Shreyas wants to be an engineer. Shreyas is the son of Dr P Nagesh Rao and Jamuna. Dr Nagesh works as a physician at Government Hospital in T Narasipur and Jamnuna as Deputy Divisional Engineer at BSNL.
G M Shashi Kumar who wants to become an IAS officer to root out corruption in the country said, “Though our bus driver immediately used fire extinguisher to douse fire, it did not work out. As there was smoke and fire from the engine, it was difficult to get out from the regular door. As soon as we opened the emergency exit, majority of the students and staff members managed to get out. Really we are very happy with the award”. Shashi Kumar is the son of Manjunatha Swamy and H Gayathri. Manjunathaswamy is working as Education Coorinator at Yelandur.
It may be recalled that on June 6, when the children and staff members were on their way back home, the alert bus driver Madhukar had noticed smoke from the engine. He had immediately stopped the bus and opened the bonnet, the place from where smoke was emanating. As soon as he opened the bonnet fire started. Within three minutes, with the help of the above students and localite Anwar Pasha he had managed to alight all the children and staffs members from the bus. Few minutes after rescue, the bus was totally reduced to ruins.
