Alumni assists in highway rescue

Michelle Ki, Feature Editor

Last month, Diamond Bar High School class of 2008 alumnus Jesse Hernandez accomplished what most would call an act of heroism. Hernandez, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department custody assistant, helped save 42 people who were stuck in a burning bus in Hacienda Heights by running toward the fire and forcing open a jammed exit door.

Assigned to the North County Correctional Facility, Hernandez was driving on the 60 Freeway during Sunday night, Oct. 18, on his way to work when he noticed that a charter bus had stopped, blocking two lanes.

After seeing flames coming from the engine compartment of the bus, Hernandez stopped his car and ran to help, according to a statement from the sheriff’s department. Hernandez saw several passengers desperately kicking at the stuck exit door, attempting to exit the burning bus, according to various news sources.

He eventually wrested the door open, saving 42 adults on board, including the bus driver. Everyone made it out without sustaining severe injuries, according to a press release from the sheriff’s department.

Afterwards, Hernandez inspected the bus to make sure everyone had escaped.

“It was just a normal day for me, to be honest. I don’t feel different—no better than anyone else,” Hernandez told KTLA5. Repeated efforts by the Bull’s Eye to contact Hernandez were unsuccessful.