Passenger Hailed as Hero After Stopping Out-of-Control King County Metro Bus
A terrifying scene in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood ended in safety thanks to the quick thinking of a passenger who stepped in when a King County Metro bus driver suffered a medical emergency. The incident, which unfolded along Greenwood Avenue North, saw a bus collide with multiple vehicles before a passenger took control of the steering wheel to prevent further tragedy.
Chaos on Greenwood Avenue North
The incident occurred around 11:18 a.m. In March near 8003 Greenwood Avenue North. According to Seattle police, the Metro bus struck at least seven cars across five blocks. Video obtained through a public records request captures the chaos from inside the vehicle, showing the bus shaking from repeated impacts while panicked passengers questioned why the vehicle wouldn’t stop.
Witnesses described the bus traveling at high speeds before it eventually came to a halt near North 85th Street. Cyntia Garcia, an employee at a nearby business, recalled seeing the bus coming “really fast” and expressed relief that no one was more seriously injured.
The Intervention of Ernie Makinson
As the bus began side-swiping parked cars, 64-year-old passenger Ernie Makinson acted. Sitting near the back of the bus, Makinson realized the driver was unresponsive and rushed to the front of the vehicle. In an effort to wake the driver and regain control, Makinson reported hitting the driver in the chest while simultaneously steering the bus.
Makinson managed to steer the vehicle for approximately five blocks before bringing it to a stop off the road. The effort was not without cost; during the struggle to control the bus, Makinson smashed his face against the windshield and broke his glasses. Despite the praise, Makinson has downplayed his role, stating, “I’m just a guy trying to make it. I’m not a hero.”
Medical Emergency and Aftermath
Seattle police confirmed the driver suffered a medical emergency, which the driver later identified as a blood pressure issue. Following the crash, Seattle fire crews evaluated four people and no serious injuries were reported. The bus driver was hospitalized, and Makinson was taken to Harborview Medical Center as a precaution.
Jeff Switzer, a spokesperson for King County Metro, stated that the agency believes Makinson’s “heroic actions helped prevent further tragedy” and confirmed the bus operator is stable and recovering. Makinson is currently working with an attorney to file an injury claim against King County Metro.
Key Takeaways: Greenwood Metro Bus Incident
- Location: The crash began near 8003 Greenwood Avenue North and ended near North 85th Street.
- Impact: At least seven vehicles were hit over a five-block span.
- Cause: The bus driver experienced a medical emergency related to blood pressure.
- Heroic Action: Passenger Ernie Makinson, 64, steered the bus to safety after finding the driver unresponsive.
- Casualties: No serious injuries were reported; the driver and Makinson both received medical attention.
This incident highlights the critical importance of passenger awareness and the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies in public transit. As the legal process regarding injury claims proceeds, the community continues to recognize the bravery of the individual who prevented a potentially more lethal accident.