They sprang into action to bring a bus under control after seeing the driver’s arms drop from the steering wheel

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Leon Lewis and Toby Southall(Image: Donna Southall)

Quick-thinking college students have been praised for their heroism after they sprang into action to bring a bus under control after the driver fell ill at the wheel. Toby Southall and Leon Lewis, both aged 16, were travelling home on the college bus after a day at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Ystrad Mynach campus on Thursday, September 18.

They were talking to the driver when all of a sudden, whilst travelling through the Maesycwmmer area, his “arms dropped from the steering wheel” and he was unresponsive.

Recognising the dangerous situation that was unfolding instantly, Toby grabbed hold of the driver to allow Leon room to take over and put his foot on the brake, to stop the bus going into traffic.

Another young man, Jack Bishop, called for an ambulance, whilst a fourth on the bus performed CPR before emergency services arrived. Tragically, the driver passed away, police confirmed. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here

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The pair have been praised for their quick-thinking actions(Image: Donna Southall)

Toby’s mum, Donna Southall said: “As they were on their way home, in the Maesycwmmer area, Toby was talking to the driver, when all of a sudden, the driver fell ill and his arms dropped from the steering wheel.

“The bus was in the right hand lane of a dual carriageway and next to two other lanes with traffic going past.

“Leon took over and slammed his foot down on the brake to stop the bus going into traffic.

“It was really frightening and quite traumatic for them, and Toby had hold of the driver who was on the seat of the bus, making sure he was protected.

“It was just amazing how quickly they acted, because had they not acted so quickly, that bus could have gone into traffic. It was just unbelievable.

“The bravery was amazing, for them to take over like that and not stand there in shock.

“It’s really sad how something like that can happen so fast, and on a normal route home.”

Jonathan Morgan, Principal & CEO at Coleg y Cymoedd said: “The college is aware that a medical emergency occurred on a bus service provided for learners at our Ystrad Mynach campus on September 18.

“We can confirm that all learners using that service are safe, and we are very proud of the bravery and quick actions of our learners.

“Our wellbeing team at the campus remains available to support any learners or family members affected.

“At this stage, the college will not be commenting further.”

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: “We were called at about 4.30pm reporting a bus had stopped on the Llanbradach bypass due to a medical emergency concerning the driver.

“The ambulance service attended however sadly the driver died.”