Udupi: In a heartening display of compassion, an auto-rickshaw driver, Mohammed Shameer, became a lifesaver for an elderly man who suffered a severe heart-related episode while driving alone in the early hours of Tuesday.
The incident unfolded on the Udupi–Manipal road, when the elderly man, gripped by intense chest pain, lost control of his vehicle near Laxmindranagara and crashed into an electric pole. Despite the impact, the man exited the car, only to collapse on the roadside amidst heavy rain.
Fortunately, Shameer, who was passing by in his auto, spotted the man lying by the road. Initially suspecting he might be intoxicated, Shameer quickly realized the gravity of the situation after speaking to the man. Without hesitation, he transported him to Manipal Hospital.
On the way, Shameer gathered contact information from the patient and immediately informed his elder brother, who soon arrived at the hospital. According to the doctors, any further delay could have proved fatal.
“The man was wearing gold ornaments, and his car windows were open—he could’ve been robbed. Helping him was my responsibility,” said Shameer, who stressed that no one else was around to assist at that hour.
The elderly man, a member of a well-known Udupi family, lives alone. His condition is now reported to be stable, thanks to Shameer’s timely intervention.
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