KSRTC conductor helps deliver baby on bus, gets pat on back

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: S Vasanthamma, a dedicated conductor employed by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, found herself in a remarkable situation on Monday. She was on duty, operating a bus from Bengaluru to Chikkamagaluru when an incident unfolded, allowing her to assist a mother in need.

The bus, registered as KA 18 F 0865, was carrying 45 passengers along the Bengaluru-Chikkamagaluru route. Among the passengers was a young pregnant woman Fathima, approximately 23 years old, who began experiencing labour pains around 1.25 pm near Channarayapatna in Hassan.

Fathima, hailing from Assam, was travelling with her mother-in-law to meet her husband in Belur. Vasanthamma, a widow and experienced conductor with over 20 years of service, noticed Fathima's distress and quickly took action. She made arrangements for Fathima to sit in the front seat, minimising the impact of the bus's movements.

Initially unaware of Fathima's condition, Vasanthamma was alerted by another passenger who informed her about the labor pains. Vasanthamma immediately instructed the driver to proceed cautiously and helped Fathima lie down. With no nearby hospitals and the nearest town, Shantigrama, located approximately 10 km away, the situation demanded urgent attention.

The other passengers disembarked from the bus while Vasanthamma, along with Fathima's mother-in-law, provided assistance in delivering the baby on the bus. Vasanthamma promptly contacted an ambulance, which arrived 15 minutes after the baby girl was born. The delivery went smoothly, and the newborn cried immediately.

Vasanthamma then assisted Fathima into the ambulance, cleaned the bus, and together with the cooperative passengers, proceeded to the hospital in Shantigrama. Showing immense compassion, Vasanthamma requested contributions from the passengers to support the mother, and they donated.