A hero bus driver who spotted a lost toddler running barefoot along a motorway flyover on her route saved the youngster from a possible tragedy. Heart-stopping CCTV footage from the bus captured Irena Ivic's heroic actions as the small girl, who was just 19-months-old, wandered alone along a pavement just days before Christmas. Ms Ivic had to do a double-take when she saw the child - who was dressed only in an onesie and a nappy in the freezing cold without an adult in sight, but quickly parked the bus and gave chase. The mum and former teacher ran across a busy street, stopped traffic and snatched the crying youngster out of harm's way before carrying her back to the bus. Ms Ivic has been hailed after a video of the shocking incident was released by her bosses in the US city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.She said she's grateful she was "in the right place at the right time".The incident happened just before 8am on December 22 last year. Video from the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus shows the girl running back and forth on the flyover as Ms Ivic stops her bus on the opposite side of the road.
She gets out and holds up her hand, signalling an oncoming driver to stop as she runs across the road.She then grabs the girl, who is standing at an intersection near some homes, and carries her back to the bus.Ms Ivic says: "Oh my God, oh my God. I'm shaking."A passenger tells her: "I am, too."
Ms Ivic gets back into her seat at the front of the bus and cradles the child as a passenger approaches from the back of the vehicle and hands over her jacket to help the child warm up.She strokes the child to keep her calm, and the girl falls asleep in her arms. Ms Ivic called in the rescue and waited for police and firefighters to arrive. Footage from the bus' CCTV system shows the girl being carried away by a police officer as a search for her family was under way.The toddler was cold and scared but unharmed.
The baby’s father said his wife has a mental illness and she took the baby to a church near the motorway. He told a local Fox TV station that he thinks she forgot about their daughter and the girl wandered off. He said he noticed his daughter was not home when he saw police in the area. The MCTS said of the incident: "As Irena called for help, a passenger gave up her coat to help keep the baby warm."The child was cold to the touch after spending time outside in the freezing temperatures.
"Irena comforted the terrified youngster, who soon fell asleep in her loving arms."Spokesman Matt Sliker said: "Authorities eventually reunited the baby with its father."The mother was not charged. At a commendation ceremony on Thursday, Ms Ivic told reporters: "I'm just grateful I was in the right place at the right time."She added: "I absolutely love kids."I used to be a teacher and I have children of my own, so I'm so happy I was able to help this sweet, innocent baby."The MCTS said the girl was the ninth lost or missing child to be found by one of its bus drivers in recent years.