Udupi: An incident highlighting compassion and presence of mind by on-duty private bus staff unfolded on Thursday night near Garadi in Yermal, where their timely intervention helped save two pedestrians injured during a temple procession associated with Yermal Sri Janardana Temple.
The incident occurred during the Thenka Savari and Katte Pooja rituals, a significant religious event during which the temple’s flower chariot was being pulled along the road. A large number of devotees and local residents had gathered to witness and participate in the traditional procession, resulting in slow-moving traffic and heightened pedestrian activity in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, a car travelling from behind the procession hit two pedestrians near the Yermal Garadi. The accident reportedly occurred due to negligent driving by the car driver, who failed to slow down despite the presence of the religious procession and people walking along the roadside. The impact left the pedestrians injured and in need of immediate medical assistance.
Bus staff act without hesitation
At the time of the accident, a Durgamba private bus heading towards Udupi was passing through the same stretch. The bus driver, Ashraf Hejmadi, along with conductor Akash Kodikere and local resident Ashok Yermal, immediately noticed the injured pedestrians lying on the road.
Without waiting for instructions or external assistance, the bus staff stopped the vehicle and rushed to help the injured. Displaying quick judgment and empathy, they carefully helped the victims onto the bus and transported them towards Kapu Dandatheertha School, a nearby location that offered easier access for emergency services.
Eyewitnesses said the swift response by the bus staff prevented further delay in providing medical care, which is often crucial in accident cases. Their calm handling of the situation also helped avoid panic among the crowd gathered for the procession.
Ambulance assistance and hospitalisation
Soon after the injured were moved from the accident site, an SDPI ambulance from Moolur arrived to take over medical assistance. Ambulance staff Jalaluddin Jallu and Hameed Uchil coordinated with the bus staff and ensured the safe transfer of the injured persons.
The injured were then shifted to a private hospital in Udupi for further treatment. Hospital sources later confirmed that the victims were stable and responding well to treatment. They are reported to be recovering, and doctors said that timely medical attention played a key role in preventing serious complications.
Public appreciation for humane response
The prompt and selfless action of the bus driver and conductor has earned widespread appreciation from the public, local residents and devotees who witnessed the incident. Many praised the staff for prioritising human life over schedules and operational concerns.
Local residents pointed out that private bus staff are often criticised for rash driving and lack of discipline. However, incidents like this highlight the positive role they can play in emergency situations when guided by empathy and responsibility.
Several members of the public also commended the ambulance team for their swift response and coordination, noting that such cooperation between civilians and emergency services is essential in managing accidents effectively.
Call for safer driving during religious events
The incident has also renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations during religious processions and festivals. Residents and organisers stressed the need for motorists to exercise extreme caution in areas where rituals and public gatherings are taking place.
Community leaders urged drivers to respect religious events and remain alert, especially in narrow roads and crowded localities. They also called upon authorities to deploy adequate traffic management personnel during major rituals to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The incident near Yermal Garadi serves as a reminder that humanity and quick thinking can make a life-saving difference in emergencies. The compassionate actions of the Durgamba bus staff and the prompt assistance by ambulance personnel ensured that the injured pedestrians received timely medical care. As the victims recover, the episode stands as an example of civic responsibility and compassion amid unfortunate circumstances.