An Australian mother revealed a harrowing incident where her 12-year-old son’s arm and backpack were caught in a bus door, trapping him as the bus drove over 350 meters down the road. Fortunately, the boy lifted his feet off the ground and narrowly escaped death. The driver has since been fired, while the boy is severely traumatized and receiving psychiatric care.
The incident sparked intense criticism in Victoria after shocking footage emerged showing 12-year-old Nathaniel being dragged along the streets of Wheelers Hill, a Melbourne suburb, while on his way to school.
The event occurred on 16 March when Nathaniel was stepping down from the rear bus door, which suddenly closed quickly, trapping his right arm and backpack. Most of his body remained outside the bus while his arm was caught inside. The driver then moved the bus immediately without noticing.
Grace, the mother, explained that her son had to lift his feet off the ground to avoid being run over by the wheels and was dragged along the road for about 350 meters until the bus stopped at the next stop and the door opened, allowing Nathaniel to free himself. A good Samaritan driving behind honked to warn and recorded the incident on video.
The boy’s mother stated that the bus had only one sensor positioned at the door’s midpoint, but her son was caught lower than the sensor, so no warning signal was sent to the driver. Grace also criticized Ventura Bus Company for initially showing neglect and a lack of genuine responsibility, merely stating the driver would undergo assessment and counseling.
Recently, Ventura Bus Company acknowledged the incident as "extremely shocking" and confirmed the driver was dismissed following the completion of a disciplinary investigation.
Jacintha Allan, Premier of Victoria, expressed concern for the family and ordered the Transport Accident Commission to closely assist them, adding that the footage was unacceptable to any parent.
Although Nathaniel did not suffer serious physical injuries beyond minor bruises, his mother revealed he is deeply affected psychologically. He experiences anxiety and panic attacks whenever he sees buses on the road, is unable to travel to school independently as before, and is currently undergoing continuous psychiatric treatment.