Man Comes Back To Life After Ambulance Hits Pothole

Author Phil Harris

January 16th, 2024 8:47 AM

A pothole is being credited with bringing an 80-year-old man in India back to life. (Photo by milosradinovic/iStock via Getty Images)

They start to appear every winter. The cold weather wreaks havoc on our streets and potholes begin to emerge. By spring they’re everywhere and road crews have to fill them in. But are potholes always bad? Sure, they can be quite destructive. Hit enough of them with your car and you could blow out a tire, destroy your suspension, or incur serious frame damage. However, is it possible that a pothole can also be helpful and possibly even restorative? Are potholes misunderstood?

My wife drives a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Last August, we began to notice that the air conditioning had stopped working. You definitely notice when your A/C stops working in North Carolina during the summer. This went on for days. Then, on one particularly sweltering afternoon, my wife hit a pothole. Suddenly, and much to our delight, cool air began streaming through the vents again. The A/C had returned. Whatever part of the cooling system that wasn’t working properly had been jarred back to life. Could the same thing have brought a person back to life?

Pothole Paramedic

According to UPI, a man in India allegedly owes his life to a pothole. After feeling ill for days, Darshan Singh Brar, who already had a heart condition, was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe chest infection. After four days on a ventilator, the 80-year-old man was pronounced dead. But then something strange happened.

The body of Drashan Singh Brar was being transported back home to his family, who had been making funeral arrangements. Along the way, the ambulance hit a deep pothole. Moments later, another grandson saw his presumably deceased grandfather’s hand move. The grandson checked for a pulse and told the ambulance driver to take them to the nearest hospital.

Doctors confirmed that Darshan Singh Brar was very much alive and referred him to yet another hospital. His condition is still very serious, but the octogenarian is now breathing on his own. All thanks to a pothole.

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

The Most Unusual Road Rules In Countries Across The World

If you look hard enough you can find some strange laws in every city, state, and country. Some are outdated and unenforced, and others still rule. If you are planning on traveling it’s always a good idea to check out the legalities in your destination. But if you are planning on driving abroad? You absolutely need to be aware. Even if you aren’t, it’s interesting to see how other countries handle things. And there are some unusual road rules out there.

Looking4.com compiled this list of unusual driving rules throughout the world. And some are sure to shock you. From birthday suits being permitted to fines for locking your keys in your car or having to leave your headlights on at all times. Failure to comply can result in large fines.

A spokesperson from Looking4.com commented: “When driving abroad it’s wise to check out the local rules around driving before setting off to avoid unpleasant surprises. As the largest UK-owned airport operator we’ll ensure a safe and relaxed take-off, while you familiarise yourself with the rules at your destination.”

After reading these, I think I’ll be sure to never drive outside of the US. Actually, I most likely would have avoided that anyway. Check out some of the most unusual road rules across the world below.

Germany
‘Rechts vor links’: This translates to ‘right before left’ and is mostly found in residential areas of Germany. Unless otherwise indicated by signs, people driving towards an intersection or crossroad will have to yield to anyone coming from the right.

German Autobahn: On the autobaun there is no speed limit. Though the recommended speed is 130 km/h or 80 mph.

Naked driving: Technically, you are allowed to drive your car completely naked. If for some reason you desire that experience. If you become a nuisance however legal action can be taken.
Canada
DUI Repercussions: If you’ve been convicted of drunk driving in Canada you may be required to install an alcohol interlock into your car and breathalyze before you can turn your car on.
Sweden
Headlights: In Sweden, it doesn’t matter what time of day or how light it is outside your headlights must always remain on while the vehicle is in motion.
Australia
Don’t Leave Your Car Unlocked: You really should never do it for safety reasons. But leaving a car unlocked or forgetting keys in an unattended vehicle could cost you. The penalty varies by location but one example is New South Wales where you could be fined up to $2200.
Thailand
This Is Not Germany: In Thailand, you must wear a shirt at all times while driving. Yes even while returning home from those gorgeous beaches.
Philippines
Designated Days: You can’t just jump in your vehicle and hit the road in the Philippines. In an effort, to reduce traffic, the numbers on your license plate determine which days you’re allowed to drive.
Russia
Better Wash That Car: In Russia, you’re not allowed to drive an unwashed car, and if you do you could be fined.

Hitchhikers: If you see someone trying to hitchhike don’t try to be a nice person. Transporting hitchhikers is also illegal.
Cyprus
Hands On The Wheel: Don’t check your phone, take a sip of water, or get a snack. Taking your hands off the wheel at any point can garner you a fine in Cyprus.
United States
Hey it’s not just other countries that have some peculiar traffic laws. The US is far from immune. Though considering we are used to them, they don’t always seem as unusual. Visitors however feel differently. These are some of our traffic laws that are different to travelers.

4 Way Stops: You must stop and and proceed in the order of who arrived first.

Open Containers: I’m more shocked that this is allowed anywhere. But as you likely are well aware open containers are prohibited from being in a vehicle that is “on”.

Right On Red: I can see how this would be confusing especially if you are used to driving on a different side of the road. But here in the US at most traffic lights, you’re allowed to turn right on red if no one is coming (or a sign prohibits it).

No Shopping On Sundays: Apparently in Colorado car dealerships are prohibited from being open on Sundays. At least if you’re a car dealer there you can get a weekend day off!