'An incredible story of heroism': Metrobus driver honoured for life-saving efforts

A Metrobus driver has received a national heroism award for his role in saving the life of a young woman in St. John's, who was hit by a vehicle on Water Street this past August.

The award is given out annually by theCanadian Urban Transportation Association to apublic transit worker who commits an act of heroism that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

In a news release, Metrobus officials saidthatMax Benson was driving in downtown St. John's this Augustwhen he witnessed a woman get hit by an eastbound van on Water Street, and land within 10 feet of his bus.

Immediately jumped to help

The bus driver immediately took action by radioing a transit supervisor to call 911, and exiting hisvehicle with a first-aid kit.

Benson sat with the woman, who was unconscious, and provided first aid support by applying pressure to her head wound.

With his other hand, Bensonprotected the woman's face from the hot muffler of the bus, and received second-degree burns in the process.

In awe of bravery

He stayed by the woman'sside until emergency officials arrived on the scene, and transported herto the hospital.

MetrobusGeneral Manager, Judy Powell, saidthat everyone at the transit service is in aweof Benson's bravery.

"It's an incredible story of heroism," said Powell in a news release Wednesday.

"We're all proud of Max and we're thrilled that the Canadian Urban Transportation Association has recognized what Max did on that night in August."

Max Benson has been a driver for Metrobus for the past three years.