'Glad it was me, not them': Injured bus driver hailed a hero for saving students | WATCH

Washington D.C: A school bus driver in Washington state is being celebrated for his bravery after a terrifying highway incident in which a piece of flying metal crashed through the windshield and struck him in the chest. Despite the impact, he managed to keep the bus under control, ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.

Metal debris crashes through the windshield

Stewart O'Leary, a driver for the Northshore School District, was transporting a high school girls' basketball team to a game last Friday when the unexpected occurred. Traveling at over 60 mph, a sharp metal object suddenly tore through the bus windshield, striking O’Leary directly in the chest. "I'm glad it was me, not them—any of my passengers," O’Leary told ABC13, reflecting on the terrifying moment.

Coaches step in to assist

The situation escalated quickly, with students and staff on board reacting in shock. North Creek High School JV Girls Basketball Coach Chris Pinder recalled the chaos: "As soon as I heard the screams, I looked up to check on the driver." Two coaches immediately jumped into action. Calvin McHenry, Head Coach of the North Creek High School Girls Basketball team, quickly reached for the wheel as O’Leary clutched his chest in pain. "I grabbed the wheel because he was holding his heart, his chest a little bit," McHenry said.

Bus driver hit by metal bar while going 60 mph on highway

Video of the incident released by the school district shows the metal pole flying through the windshield and striking O'Leary in the chest. Two coaches on the bus ran to the front and helped O'Leary slow the bus to the… pic.twitter.com/eZbnZ1mka9

— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) February 13, 2025

Emergency response and recovery

With the help of the coaches, the bus was safely guided to the side of the road, and emergency responders were called. Despite suffering a serious bruise on his chest and facial cuts from shattered glass, O'Leary remained composed. Incredibly, he even snapped a photo from the stretcher before being transported to the hospital.

Recognizing a hero

O'Leary’s heroic actions ensured that no students were injured during the ordeal. "I kept the girls safe. That’s what the job of a bus driver is—transporting students safely—and I did that," he said. His bravery has not gone unnoticed. The shattered windshield has been placed on display at the school district’s bus office as a tribute to his courage. Just days after the incident, O’Leary has already returned to work, receiving widespread praise from colleagues and the local community. "It's just remarkable that he was able to keep the bus going straight after such a sudden event occurring. So, a really, really great guy," Coach Pinder added.