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Rabat – A wave of grief has swept across Morocco following the death of 29-year-old Alaa, the young assistant bus driver now widely known online as “the bus hero” after sacrificing his life to save nearly 40 passengers aboard a coach traveling from Casablanca to Tafraout.
The tragic accident occurred near the commune of Tizghrane in the province of Tiznit, where Alaa’s quick thinking prevented what many described as a potential humanitarian disaster.
Alaa had worked in passenger transport for more than 11 years and was resting in the designated sleeping area inside the bus before hearing passengers screaming.
He rushed toward the driver and discovered that the latter had partially lost consciousness following a sudden medical emergency.
In a desperate attempt to stop the speeding vehicle, Alaa tried to remove the driver’s foot from the accelerator but was unable to do so.
He then made the split-second decision to steer the bus toward a nearby embankment in order to avoid plunging off a dangerous roadside drop estimated at more than 12 meters high.
His intervention successfully changed the direction of the bus and spared dozens of passengers from falling into the ravine.
However, during the violent maneuver, the unconscious driver reportedly collapsed onto Alaa’s neck, causing severe spinal and neck injuries that left him quadriplegic.
He was transferred to a private clinic in Agadir and underwent emergency surgery, but his condition deteriorated in the days that followed before he passed away on Sunday.
The death of Alaa has deeply moved Moroccans across social media, where he has been remembered as courageous, selfless, and devoted to protecting others.
He leaves behind his wife and a baby daughter, Miral Ghita, who is only around 90 days old.
His family has since appealed for support and care for his young child, describing it as the least society can offer in return for the sacrifice he made to save dozens of lives.
