Daijiworld Media Network - Tumakuru (SP)

Tumakuru, May 2: Shivakumar (35), who drives a Tata Ace transport vehicle, suffered massive heart attack when driving his vehicle and passed away on Wednesday May 1.

Shivakumar had driven the vehicle for 97 kms before he suffered heart attack and lost consciousness. His son, Puneeth, who was seated by his father's side at the time, showed exemplary presence of mind, took control of the steering wheel, and turned the vehicle towards a cliff by the roadside. The vehicle came to a stop thereafter.

Puneeth is a fifth standard student of the government primary school at Allalasandra in Koratagere taluk in the district. To spend his spare time during summer holidays, he used to move around in the goods vehicle along with his father. His younger brother, Narasimharaju, is a first standard student of the same school.

Shivakumar's wife, Muniratnamma, works in a garments factory. Shivakumar's mortal remains were released to the family on Wednesday after postmortem.

Tejraj, a neighbour of Shivakumar, said that Shivakumar was a decent person who always concentrated on his work. He regretted the fact that he passed away at such a young age.

Huliyar police station sub-inspector, Laxmikanth, said that the body was handed over the family of the deceased after post mortem. He also profusely praised the boy for taking control of the situation and showing exemplary presence of mind under trying circumstances.