Minnesota Man Who Saved 19 Children on Runaway Bus Credits TV Show 'Grey's Anatomy'

A Minnesota man is being hailed as a hero after preventing a potential disaster when he jumped onto a runaway school bus carrying 19 children and pulled the emergency brake.

Ebro Ahmed, 27, was near a convenience store in St. Paul on Monday when he noticed the bus speeding down the street with its doors open. He observed that the driver appeared to be experiencing a medical emergency. Without hesitation, Ahmed sprinted toward the moving vehicle, boarded it, and successfully engaged the emergency brake, averting a crisis.

Ahmed told CBS News that his actions were influenced by the popular television show "Grey's Anatomy." He explained that the show's depiction of medical professionals remaining calm under pressure in emergencies provided him with a mindset for handling the situation. "In Grey's Anatomy, you never see doctors panic," Ahmed said, adding that the series taught him the importance of staying composed and thinking through problems, even in unforeseen circumstances.

Surveillance footage captured the dramatic event. The video shows Ahmed looking at his phone before noticing the bus. He then runs towards it and enters through the open doors. The bus is seen reversing briefly before coming to a complete stop.

Ahmed recounted his efforts to KTSP, stating, "So I just ran out to the bus, I tried to put it in park, I threw it in reverse by accident, and then I ended up getting it in neutral, pulled the parking brake." He expressed that he did not consider his own safety, prioritizing the children's well-being. "It's kids we're talking about, you know. Even if I were to die, it would still be worth it," he told ABC News.

During the incident, Ahmed noted that some children were screaming, while others remained calm. He specifically praised two young girls near the front of the bus who assisted him by holding his phone and glasses as he worked to secure the vehicle.

Saint Paul Public Schools confirmed that the bus driver had a medical emergency and was transported to the hospital. The school district stated that no children were injured. They were transferred to another bus to complete their journey home, and counselors were available to speak with them on Tuesday. The driver has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.