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Passenger saves bus after driver collapse

Published: 17 May 11 08:25 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/33810/20110517/

Quick action by the head of a Canadian choir touring Sweden narrowly averted an accident when the driver of their tour bus suffered a heart attack at full speed, Swedish media reported Monday.

About five minutes into the University of Manitoba choir's journey from Stockholm's Arlanda airport towards the town of Sundsvall, about 350 kilometres (200 miles) north of the capital, the bus starting swerving uncontrollably on the highway.

At that point, choir leader Elroy Friesen noticed the driver had fallen over the wheel, he told the local paper, Sundsvall Tidning.

"I threw myself forward and put the gear stick in what I thought was neutral. Then I hit the brakes," he said.

The bus eventually stopped, and none of the 32 passengers were hurt.

Passengers then pulled the driver out of the bus, with one choir member performing resuscitation and giving him mouth to mouth.

An ambulance arrived shortly after and he survived.

"Maybe it's a gift that I have to react instinctively instead of being passive. I'm surprised that no one was injured and that we did not crash into other cars," Friesen said.

The choir's tour continued as planned.

AFP/The Local (news@thelocal.se)

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09:35 May 17, 2011 by Keith #5083
Now there's something to sing about. So good to hear no-one was hurt and that the bus driver will probably survive.
10:33 May 17, 2011 by Antonito
Does the driver was an immigrant?

Sorry...sorry...it is just I couldn't avoid to do this comment.

Anyway, i did it. ........Can I be now accepted in "The Local-commenting-guys- community"?

(Bravo for the driver and the Canadian guy!!!)
10:45 May 17, 2011 by Keith #5083
#Antonito

Since most commentating here are reasonable tolerant peeps, I'm sure you would be accepted. It could certainly help in your acceptance on this english speaking board if you could 'does the english better' (tip:try google translate, it's free).

All the tools exist in this world to help us understand each other...it is only the will to do it that is required from us, huh?
10:58 May 17, 2011 by Antonito
Thanks Keith. You got my point.
11:25 May 17, 2011 by Boliche
Yes. Sometimes we lose the point. We should more celebrate the successful stories and try to overcome our differences with constructive comments. The good use of the language is also important. I agree with Antonito #2, most comments are made in bad English (something that could be acceptable) and are not constructive (definitely unacceptable in any circumstance).
15:13 May 17, 2011 by Stickeroo
Oh Canada, we stand on guard for everyone!
18:15 May 17, 2011 by drakhan
Well done that man.

Lucky he wasn't in the UK though.

If he had, the stupid police here would have arrested him for driving without a licence, tax or insurance. He would have been sent to prison and made to pay a big fine. He would then lose his job and be considered a criminal for the rest of his life.

Great to live in UK. NOT!!!

Always wanted to visit Sweden but never had the chance. Maybe some day. At least the press are praising a hero not vilifying him.
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