Bus driver goes unconscious after getting drunk; passengers stranded on road for hours

MALAPPURAM: A shocking incident occurred on the night of August 31 when a bus driver, heavily drunk, lost consciousness and fell asleep with his head on the bonnet, leaving passengers stranded on the road for nearly five hours. The driver, who was operating a private tourist bus on the Vazhikkadavu–Bengaluru route, had vomited and collapsed due to excessive alcohol consumption.

The incident came to light after videos circulated on social media. Many passengers had already suspected the driver was drunk from the time the bus reached Kuttiyadi Churam, where the bus had grazed a few vehicles. Passengers later informed the police, and a team from Thirunelli arrived and took the driver into custody. Police confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol.

The Karnataka-based travel agency explained that the man was not the regular driver but a temporary replacement. Another driver was later arranged to take the passengers safely to Bengaluru. The bus was carrying many people, including women and children. The driver was a Bengaluru native.