DC lensman to rescue of driver

Chennai: Clasping his hands around his chest that was throbbing with pa­in, MTC driver Sat­y­a­m­u­r­thy sat on the sidewalk of chaotic Ster­l­i­ng road on Tuesday af­te­­rnoon.

Not one am­o­ng the passengers and on­lookers came forwa­rd to help or offer assistance to him. It was DC photographer Sampath N, who, on seeing the bus being stopped mid-traffic, approached the driver. There was an MTC Volvo bus, too, which stopped behind the vehicle but none came forward to help.

Sampath gave him some water and offered to take him to the hospital. Satyamurthy ap­p­r­­­eciated the help but refused medical attention as he said he was feeling better. The bus started moving to its K.K. Nagar destination.

Later in the day, K.K. Nagar bus depot manager was informed of the incident and Sat­y­am­urthy was taken to a nearby hospital.

He was diagnosed with high blood pressure and was said to be fine till late night. Speaking of the health cover given to bus crew, MTC union president N. Raju says, "Drivers above the age of 40 are given once a year complete check-up at a hospital. Other than that, there are health camps conducted by NGOs and social organisations. But they are not frequent."

P. Murugan, a resident of Tiruvanmiyur, says, "It is an unfortunate incident. These drivers have to go through bad roads and handle other motorists; they also drive ageing vehicles. Yet, they are not appreciated or even recognised for their service."