The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has saluted the actions of a South Carolina truck driver who rescued a number of children trapped in a runaway bus.
During the opening ceremony of the 31st IRU World Congress, IRU President, Janusz Lacny, awarded Barthel Green the IRU Grand Prix d’Honneur as an international recognition by the entire profession of the outstanding act of courage he performed in November 2006.
While driving his vehicle in the City of Charleston (South Carolina, USA), Green noticed a school bus driving unusually slow in the centre lane. Pulling up his rig for a closer look, he discovered that the bus driver had passed out and that several children had grabbed the steering wheel and were attempting to steer the vehicle.
Green sped up his truck, passed the bus and pulled over. After exiting his vehicle, he ran alongside the school bus and opened the door to board the bus. He then managed to steer it safely off the road and called for help.
When asked how he was able to think of a solution so quickly, Green simply said: “I used to drive a bus and have been driving a truck for years. I knew all I needed to know to get this job done.”
Handing the award, Mr. Lacny stated, “In our modern society, ordinary people still find themselves in extraordinary situations and perform heroic acts. Thanks to Mr. Green’s immediate, professional and courageous intervention, the young children on the bus were saved. The IRU is proud to count such a man among the ranks of its member associations. With men like Mr. Green, our industry is worthily served and represented.”
