A Minnesota man intervened to stop a runaway school bus in Saint Paul on Monday after the driver suffered a medical emergency, authorities confirmed. Ebro Ahmed, 27, leaped onto the moving bus and brought it to a halt, ensuring the safety of 19 students and the driver. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Immediate Response and Core Facts
On Monday afternoon, Ahmed noticed a Battle Creek Middle School bus traveling at approximately 10 mph with its doors open and lights flashing. Surveillance footage shows Ahmed sprinting from a nearby store and boarding the bus. He later described seeing the driver experiencing a medical emergency, prompting him to act. Ahmed, who had no prior experience driving a bus, attempted to engage the parking brake but initially placed the vehicle in reverse before correcting his actions. The bus was brought to a stop without incident.
Saint Paul Public Schools confirmed the medical emergency and stated that paramedics responded to the scene. Students were transferred to another bus and sent home, while counselors checked in with them the following day. The condition of the driver was not fully disclosed by authorities.
Details of the Intervention
Ahmed credited the television series Grey's Anatomy for helping him remain composed during the situation, stating that the show provided him with practical tips for handling unexpected emergencies. He described the driver as initially unresponsive but noted that the individual appeared to recover shortly after the bus stopped. Ahmed chose not to question the driver immediately, prioritizing his well-being.
Security footage released by Ya Bricks Snacks and Tobacco captured the event, showing Ahmed boarding the bus and bringing it to a halt. The video also depicted students on board, some of whom were visibly distressed. Ahmed recounted that two girls seated near the front assisted him by holding his belongings during the chaotic moment.
Official Response and Aftermath
Saint Paul Public Schools issued a statement confirming the incident and the absence of injuries. The district did not provide further details about the driver’s condition. Counselors were made available to students involved in the incident the day after the event. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the driver’s medical emergency.
Ahmed, who works at the convenience store near where the incident occurred, has not commented further beyond his initial statements to media outlets. The Saint Paul Police Department has not released additional information regarding the investigation into the driver’s medical condition.