Mississippi Students Prevent School Bus Crash

This week, a group of middle schoolers in Mississippi acted quickly to avert a potential disaster when their bus driver lost consciousness while driving on the highway.

About 40 students from Hancock Middle School were on board the bus when 46-year-old Leah Taylor experienced an asthma attack shortly after departing from school. She attempted to grab her medication but passed out before she could do so.

Without any hesitation, the students sprang into action to stop the bus from crashing.

Jackson Kasunabe, a 12-year-old sixth grader sitting just behind the driver, noticed that the bus began to swerve. In an instant, he grabbed the wheel and called for assistance.

“I didn’t have time to process my emotions,” Kasunabe remarked. “I just wanted to ensure everyone was safe.”

Meanwhile, fellow 12-year-old Darius Clark stepped on the brake while the other students guided the bus into the median, bringing it to a halt.

Clark’s 13-year-old sister, Kaylee, called 911, struggling to hear the operator over the chaos surrounding her. “I was scared, but I had to help,” she admitted later.

Eighth grader Destiny Cornelius, 15, saw the driver with a nebulizer and assisted in administering the medication, while 13-year-old Mackenzie Finch also pitched in to help.

Finch noticed the driver’s phone was ringing and took the initiative to inform the district’s traffic team about the incident.

Taylor, the driver, has since recovered and expressed her gratitude towards the students. “I’m thankful to these kids. They saved my life and potentially others on that bus too,” she said.

The students were honored at a pep rally on Friday and are set to enjoy a celebratory lunch next week. Dr. Melissa Saucier, the school principal, praised their bravery, stating, “They showed tremendous courage by stepping up instead of waiting for someone else to intervene. That reflects their character.”