Riding the bus is exciting for many students and gives them a bit of freedom. Older students often get themselves on and off the bus independently without issues. Observant and caring bus drivers do their best to ensure student safety every day. Of course, accidents can occur, but millions of kids make it to and from school daily without harm. A 12-year-old in Australia, however, nearly died during a recent bus ride, and his mother wants someone to take responsibility.
The boy’s mother shared the shocking video.
A woman named Grace shared a video of her son, Nathanial, from the Wheelers Hill neighborhood in Melbourne taken on March 16, 2026. Nathanial’s backpack and arm became stuck in the bus door, but the driver apparently did not notice. The driver took off with the boy hanging on for dear life.
“Nathaniel had to lift his legs off the road and hung on with his right hand to the inner door rail while passing parked cars just centimeters away,” his mother said in the Instagram post.
The footage is truly terrifying.
It appears Grace spliced together surveillance video from the area that very clearly shows her son hanging from the bus. Miraculously, he did not end up with any serious injuries. According to his mother, the driver noticed him just before the next stop and helped Nathanial free himself.
No one seems to want to take responsibility.
Grace claims neither the Transport Accident Commission nor Ventura Bus Lines has stepped up to help. Although Nathanial did not have any physical injuries, Grace alleges he now suffers anxiety and has to see a therapist. The cost of the visits is borne entirely by the family.
“This is a very distressing incident, and we will continue to support the passenger and family at this time,” a Ventura representative shared with ABC News Australia.
“The safety of our passengers is our priority. We have emphasised our safety protocols with all drivers and will implement a review to enhance driver training programs.”
Grace wants more. The mother condemned the bus line in the caption of her Instagram post.
“Ventura Bus Lines are the biggest bus operator in Victoria, their profits exceeded $300 million in 2025. They owe all passengers a duty of care and safety,” she wrote. “Our children deserve to travel safely on public transport. No one’s life should be put in such danger on their buses.”
The story angered Grace’s followers.
“So to recap: a kid dangles from a moving bus for 350 metres, and Ventura Bus responds with a standardised template they couldn’t even personalise. No accountability. Just corporate copy-paste. Truly reassuring stuff,” someone commented on the post.
We really hope this person is joking: “The best thing for the child, is to harden up, grow a pair, and move on. No harm done,” another person commented. “Jeez we nearly died all the time, nobody lawyered up. He will recover better and become a MAN.”
If that comment wasn’t a joke, what in the heck is wrong with that person?
Others don’t want Grace to back down.
“Sue them! Worst public transport ever experienced. How is this the best city around the world , i fail to understand,” a supporter shared. “Also, please keep posting this on a regular basis, one day it will reach to the place it should!”
We can totally see why Nathanial doesn’t want to ride the bus again. How terrifying! The proof is in the video. It’s time for someone to accept the blame.
