Xtra Time Web Desk: It was an exemplary act of bravery and humanity by Sushil Mann that saved the life of Rishabh Pant on Friday. The star wicketkeeper batter of Team India met with a horrifying accident in the wee hours on Friday, December 30. Rishabh, who was driving his Mercedes on way to Roorkee to make a surprise visit to his mother, collided with a railing on National Highway 58.
Sushil, who drives a bus on Haryana Roadways was the first to spot the accident. Without thinking twice, he stopped the bus and rushed to save Pant who was inside the car. Sushil smashed the window to rescue Pant from the car. Within a few seconds after rescuing Pant, the car caught fire. Sushil covered Pant with a blanket and called the ambulance. Rishabh was severely hurt and limping as a result of the accident.
Sushil stated he was coming from the Haridwar side and Rishabh was driving from the Delhi side. He pressed the brakes to assist the Indian cricketer who was lying inside the car after it hit the railing and skidded for around 200 metres.
Pant was taken to Saksham hospital for initial treatment after which he was shifted to Max Super speciality Hospital in Dehradun. Pant suffered multiple injuries but is in a stable condition now. The MRI scan reports of his brain and spine is normal. He will have another MRI scan to assess the injury to his knee.
Former India cricketer and current NCA chief VVS Laxman took to his social media handle Twitter to appreciate the man who saved the life of Pant.
‘Gratitude to Sushil Kumar, a Haryana Roadways driver who took Rishabh Pant away from the burning car, wrapped him with a bedsheet and called the ambulance. We are very indebted to you for your selfless service, Sushil ji,’ Laxman wrote.
According to reports, Haryana Roadways on Friday honoured driver Sushil and conductor Paramjeet who saved Pant’s life. The state government is also likely to honour the two, according to sources.