Tributes have been paid to Bells Coaches of Stamfordham driver Bill Craven, 74, who died of a heart attack while driving his coach on the A1 near Gateshead.
Bill was able to keep control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop at the roadside. He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead but later died. Thanks to his actions, none of the 46 passengers on board were injured.
Bells Coaches Managing Director Michael Bell said: “Bill’s actions while he was suffering his heart attack were heroic – he drove the bus away from the carriageway, brought it to a halt and stopped the engine – putting the safety of his passengers before his own.
“We will always be incredibly proud of Bill for what he did that day and for the way he represented our business every day he worked for us.
“We were privileged to have Bill work for us for over 16 years. Throughout that time, he was a first-class colleague and employee.”
Bills funeral was held on Thursday, September 6, at West Road Crematorium Chapel.
