School bus driver comes in clutch

A Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School staff member has been praised for his quick thinking and skilful driving after narrowly avoiding disaster on the way to a school camp last month.

Sean Smith, leadership and wellbeing coordinator at the Goldfields school, was driving a busload of staff and students to Perth when, only 10 minutes into the journey, he saw debris flying towards his vehicle.

A container from a double-stacked freight train travelling on the rail line below had struck the overpass Mr Smith’s bus was about to travel over.

"I was honestly a little puzzled as debris and parts of the container came across the road,” Mr Smith said.

After realising the gravity of the situation, Mr Smith rapidly engaged the brakes and locked up the wheels to avoid the debris.

Mr Smith said the key was staying calm.

"Students on the bus at the time were in a bit of shock and surprise,” he said.

"I didn’t yell out or make a big fuss.

"I think that helped the students to remain calm and carry on the camp without distress.”

Mr Smith hoped his actions demonstrated leadership under pressure to his students.

"When working with young people and planning camps, we plan for all scenarios or what could happen,” he said.

“Unexpected things will happen.

"Life is 10 per cent what happens around us and 90 per cent how we react.

“Don’t let the small hiccups derail the day."