Malkangiri, Nov 20: A tragic incident has cast a shadow over Malkangiri after OSRTC driver P. Sai Krishna (45) died of a heart attack shortly after ensuring the safety of 40 passengers.

The bus had left Vizianagaram for Malkangiri on Wednesday night. Around 2 a.m., while passing through the Kunduli–Similiguda stretch, Sai Krishna felt severe chest pain. Despite this, he drove the bus out of a forested area and parked it safely near a shop. He then alerted the second driver, Purnachandra Ray, asking him to continue the journey so passengers would not face any trouble. Moments later, he collapsed.

Conductor Balaji Nayak rushed him to Koraput Hospital, where he died during treatment.

The second driver safely brought the bus to Malkangiri on Thursday morning. Sai Krishna’s body was later received in the town, where OSRTC officials and staff held a condolence meet and paid their respects.

He is survived by his wife and two sons. As the family’s sole breadwinner, there is growing demand for government assistance.