Bus Driver Suspended For Letting Monkey Steer Bus Full Of Passengers

"Passengers' safety is paramount, and the driver cannot risk it by allowing a monkey on the steering," the state transport spokesperson said.

October 10, 2018
Monkey driving bus [YouTube/screenshot]

Monkey driving bus [YouTube/screenshot]

Monkey driving bus [YouTube/screenshot]

By: Aaron Rasmussen

KARNATAKA, INDIA — A bus driver was suspended from his job on October 6 after he let a monkey go bananas behind the wheel — and the joy ride was captured on a video that quickly went viral.

Five days earlier, the leaf-eating langur accompanied a human rider on board the bus, which was traveling around the southern city of Davanagere. During the trip, the adventurous primate climbed on the steering wheel for around 10 minutes.

Video shot by one of the 30 passengers on the vehicle shows the perched monkey swaying back and forth while staring straight ahead. The 36-year-old driver was recorded laughing and shifting gears. It was all fun and games until the man’s bosses saw video of the wild incident.

"Driver M Prakash has been taken off duty for allowing the monkey to sit on the steering wheel and handle it,” state transport spokesperson T.S Latha said. "Passengers' safety is paramount, and the driver cannot risk it by allowing a monkey on the steering."

Authorities are conducting an investigation into the matter.

Next Up

Massachusetts Man Tried To Attack Flight Attendant, Open Emergency Exit Mid-Flight

Francisco Severo Torres, 33, was arrested after he tried to stab a flight attendant with a shank he made out of a metal spoon and attempted to open an emergency exit door on a United Airlines cross-country flight.

California Doctor Allegedly Drove Family Off Cliff On Purpose

On Jan. 2, 2023, a 41-year-old doctor drove his Tesla off a Northern California cliff with his family inside. All four survived the crash and he is now being charged with attempted murder and child abuse.

Judge Exonerates 3 Men Convicted Of NYC Subway Clerk’s Fiery 1995 Murder

Vincent Ellerbe, James Irons, and Thomas Malik were teenagers when police coerced them into making false confessions, prosecutors say.

One Of The World’s Most Prolific Serial Killers Convicted Of Another 56 Murders

Former Russian policeman Mikhail Popkov targeted women outside clubs by offering them safe rides home at night.

Bystander’s Quick Response Saves Little Girl After Car Crashes Into Her Home

Despite having no medical training, he realized the victim’s throat was bleeding profusely and removed his shirt to apply it to the wound.

Teen Driver Who Caused Crash Had Eyes Covered For 'Bird Box Challenge': Cops

The teen reportedly pulled her hat down over her eyes and veered her truck into oncoming traffic.

School Bus Driver Who Admitted To Raping 14-Year-Old Girl Gets No Jail Time

As part of a plea deal, Shane Piche got 10 years probation and must register as a sex offender.

Shocking Footage Shows Security Guard Leading Girl, 3, Away To Allegedly Assault Her

The judge said that when Mohammad Al Bayati found the child's mother, he dared to lecture her about the danger of leaving a child unattended.

Woman Told To 'Be Nicer' Allegedly Pushes Elderly Man Off Bus, Charged With Murder

In the video footage, the man can be seen falling from the bus to the pavement, face first.