Teen Girl Saves Nine Lives

This must be the week for fast-acting everyday heroes. First there was the groom from Wisconsin, and now a 16-year-old camp counselor from Queens.

Although still not old enough to have a license, Rachel Guzy literally took the driver's seat after the bus driver collapsed and died. Without hesitation, she pulled the emergency break, saving the lives of the nine other children on the bus.

The humble high school junior tells the New York Daily News, I just did what I had to do," Rachel said Wednesday. "Everything went through my mind. I worried about the kids. I worried about the driver. I knew I had to react."

The driver, Ramon Fernandez, was not feeling well and complained of being hot earlier on the trip. In fact, he even pulled over so Rachel could get him some water. They continued driving, but to stay cool, he must have kept the door open. After he had the heart attack and passed out, he fell off the bus. And as the children screamed in fear, Rachel remained calm and took control, sparing anyone from any further injury.

Children and parents alike are extremely grateful today for Rachel's quick response to what otherwise may have cost the lives of all on board. Despite the tragedy of her uncle's death, Fernandez's niece, Keila Fernandez, was able to see the positive side of the story,  "This is a tragedy for us, but she just came through," Keila Fernandez said. "He did what he could. Until his last moment, he tried to stop the bus — but his heart took him away."

Photo courtesy of Joedamadman, via Commons Wikimedia