‘Getting the younger kids out was a challenge’

What followed was exemplary quick-mindedness and alacrity that saved the lives of the children. Despite sustaining 30 per cent burns,Kumar assisted the 50-year-old conductor Dinesh Chandra and got the children out. “We manned exits,and evacuated the bus in less than 2 minutes,” said Kumar. “The elder ones got off by themselves,but getting the younger kids out was the challenge.”

The bus caught fire even as the children were getting off. Once they were taken to safety,Chandra tended to Kumar. “Fortunately,we were right outside a hospital,” he said. “I took him in and got him administered first-aid.” Later,DTC officials who rushed to the site took Kumar to the Safdarjung Hospital. He was discharged by late afternoon.

Kumar wears his achievement lightly,but there is a hint of disappointment in his voice,as no one from the school has offered him any assistance. “The principal came and met me early in the morning. Since then,they have not contacted me,” he said.