SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Seven months after an MTS Access bus caught fire in San Diego’s Oak Park neighborhood, the driver who rescued a wheelchair-bound senior from the smoke-filled vehicle is speaking out for the first time as he recovers from a severe lung injury.<\/p>\n
Jayden Campos, 38, had just 8 months on the job as an MTS Access driver \u2014 transporting riders with disabilities \u2014 when he pulled into a cul-de-sac to pick up a passenger that November morning. Another passenger, a wheelchair-bound senior, was already on board in the back of the bus.<\/p>\n
“I saw the smoke, and as soon as I parked and opened the doors, I could smell plastic burning,” Campos said.<\/p>\n
Smoke was coming from a battery compartment on the side of the bus.<\/p>\n
\u201cCall dispatch, call 911. Number one, get the client out,” Campos said.<\/p>\n
As smoke filled the bus, Campos worked to free the rider.<\/p>\n
“There are tiedowns I had to take out quickly,” Campos said.<\/p>\n
With the bus powered down, the wheelchair lift had to be manually deployed. Campos drew on his training to get it down and get his passenger moving.<\/p>\n
“Trying to go fast, adrenaline. Just trying to get him out of there safely,” Campos said. \u201cHe was scared. I was right in front of him, told him to hold onto me. Got him right out. Just grateful I got him out,” Campos said.<\/p>\n
By the time Campos stepped off the bus, the situation had grown more dangerous.<\/p>\n
“When I got off bus, the flames, shooting out of bus and battery compartment,” Campos said.<\/p>\n
A nearby passenger who had been scheduled for pickup came outside with a fire extinguisher.<\/p>\n
“Grabbed fire extinguisher\u2026 all the smoke went into my face,” Campos said.<\/p>\n
Campos used the extinguisher to put out the fire. The rider he evacuated was not hurt. Campos, a father of 7, was not as fortunate \u2014 he suffered a serious smoke inhalation injury.<\/p>\n
“Run around with my son, who is autistic, and play with toys, but I can’t really do that, I’m always out of breath,” Campos said.<\/p>\n
Campos remains on worker’s compensation. His oxygen levels hover around 65%. He is grinding through lung exercises and physical therapy, coupled with medication. To return to work, his oxygen levels must reach 100%.<\/p>\n
Despite the long road ahead, Campos says his motivation is clear.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m determined to get back. I love my clients and what I do,” Campos said.<\/p>\n