CHENNAI: The crew of an MTC, who turned their bus into a makeshift ambulance by driving non-stop to the Tambaram Government Hospital to save an ailing woman passenger, was honoured by Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 7 pm on June 30 when the woman, travelling on Route No. 91 from Tiruvanmiyur to Kilambakkam after boarding the bus at Perungudi, suddenly fainted near Vels College.

Realising the seriousness of the situation, driver Lakshmanan and conductor Geethar Ilaya Raja immediately diverted the bus and drove directly to Government Hospital, Tambaram, without stopping anywhere between Vels College and the hospital. The woman was admitted for treatment without delay.

After ensuring that the passenger had been admitted to the hospital, the crew resumed the scheduled service. According to MTC, the woman is now in good health.

In recognition of their prompt response, Transport Minister felicitated the driver and conductor at the MTC headquarters with certificates of appreciation and a cash reward of Rs 5,000 each from his personal funds. MTC Managing Director T Mohan was present at the felicitation ceremony.