Bus driver praised for protecting passengers from arson attack

A Nanchang bus driver has been praised for her quick thinking saving passengers from a suspected arson attack, reports Chinanews.com.

The bus is totally burnt after the arson attack. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

On the afternoon of July 18, driver Deng Hongying noticed a suspicious man board her bus, mid-way down the vehicle. He was holding a container that was giving off a pungent smell. Deng asked the passenger to get off the bus, and when he refused, she immediately cleared the vehicle and took it out of service.

After first making sure all the passengers were safe, Deng finally left the bus herself. As she did so the man lit the liquid in the container, and the vehicle was engulfed in fire. The man died as a result of the fire. 

Deng Hongying was praised by her employers, the Nanchang Communication Transportation Group, for her timely evacuation of the bus, saving all the passengers from injury.

She was awarded the honorary title "Meritorious Driver," and promoted to deputy leader of the bus team, and given a 100,000-yuan bonus.

Picture of Deng Hongying, the bus driver [Photo: Weibo]