CTU driver averts major mishap on Zirakpur flyover

Mohali: A major accident was narrowly avoided on the busy Zirakpur flyover on Friday morning thanks to the quick thinking and composure of CTU bus driver Parveen Kumar. The driver's timely response prevented a potential tragedy after a tyre dislodged from bus and raced ahead. The incident involved a Chandigarh-Narnaul AC bus.The incident occurred around 10:30 am when the left tyre of the bus suddenly bubbled and detached from the vehicle, rolling ahead as the bus veered dangerously close to the edge of the flyover — 40 feet above ground level. Displaying exceptional calm, Parveen Kumar managed to bring the bus under control despite the loss of a front tyre. The vehicle skidded for nearly 100 metres before coming to a halt.There were 35 passengers on board at the time of the mishap. Thanks to the driver's alertness, all passengers were safely evacuated. Passengers expressed their gratitude, crediting Parveen Kumar's presence of mind for saving their lives."We are very grateful to the bus driver for his quick thinking and alertness. He saved our lives," said passenger Rakesh Sharma. Another passenger, Sunil, said, "We were shocked to see the tyre roll away and the bus slide without it. It could have been a disaster."The breakdown caused a temporary traffic jam on the flyover. The driver and conductor managed the traffic until a replacement bus and recovery van arrived from the Chandigarh depot. The bus was later towed away.The Zirakpur-Ambala stretch is one of the busiest flyovers in the region. Officials from the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) lauded Parveen Kumar's prompt and brave action, calling him a "real-life hero" for preventing a major mishap.