Bus Driver Suspended For Letting Monkey Steer Bus Full Of Passengers

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.

Read more: YouTube, Channel News Asia