KSRTC driver averts major mishap near Nelamangala in Bengaluru before dying of heart attack

A Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver showed remarkable presence of mind before his death, preventing what could have been a major tragedy on the Bengaluru–Harihara route.

Rajeev Beerasala Chakanni, 56, a Rajahamsa bus driver attached to the Harihara unit, suffered a heart attack while driving on National Highway-4 near the Nelamangala toll gate on Tuesday. Despite experiencing severe chest pain, he safely pulled the Bengaluru–Harihara Rajahamsa bus to the roadside, ensuring the safety of all passengers before collapsing.

“Driver Rajeev Beerasala suffered a heart attack while on duty near Nelamangala toll gate. Although an ambulance was called immediately and he was rushed to Nelamangala Hospital, he passed away without responding to treatment,” KSRTC officials said.

The incident occurred around mid-journey when the bus, operating on the Bengaluru–Davangere route, was carrying five passengers. After the driver’s sudden collapse, KSRTC officials arranged for the passengers to be shifted to another bus to continue their journey.

Mr. Beerasala had joined the KSRTC service on February 23, 2005, and had served the corporation for nearly two decades.

Cardiac check-ups

In 2023, the corporation had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology and Research to provide comprehensive cardiac check-ups for its employees.

Currently, KSRTC has 34,000 employees, of whom 24,686 are drivers and conductors. “Heart-related diseases are more prevalent among staff above 40 years of age. To address this, the corporation covers the cost of ten types of cardiac tests per employee, paying ₹1,200 per person to Jayadeva Hospital. This amounts to ₹2.55 crore annually and benefits around 62% of employees,” a KSRTC official said.

The Nelamangala police have registered a case of unnatural death under section 195 (Power to summon persons) and are awaiting the post-mortem report.