Bus Fans Bite Driver After Sneaking In, Starting Parked Vehicle

Two teenage “bus fans” sneaked into Shanghai’s Nanqiao Bus Station and started a parked bus, triggering a scuffle that left a driver with a bite wound, Zonglan News reported yesterday.

The incident, which occurred on November 30 at the busy bus terminal in Fengxian District, spread online after chat screenshots claimed a “bus enthusiast” tried to start a vehicle and bit a security guard when stopped. A 5-second video posted by a witness shows a man in a green jacket restraining another struggling male near the station’s Gate 1.

The Nanqiao Bus Station office confirmed to Zonglan News that the online accounts were “basically accurate.” They said two minors slipped into the station with other passengers, boarded a bus that was on break, and managed to start it. The driver discovered the intrusion, intervened immediately, and attempted to detain the teens for a lecture. A scuffle followed, during which one of the teens bit the driver. The injury was minor, staff said.

A police-issued mediation agreement circulating online shows the dispute was resolved the same day. The station said officers summoned both sides, and the matter was settled after the teens’ parents were notified and given a warning about supervision.

Asked how two minors were able to start a bus, station staff explained that drivers often leave the key in the vehicle after shutting it down for short rest stops so that it can be moved quickly in emergencies.

The teens, described as knowledgeable “bus enthusiasts,” were familiar with bus models, interior layouts and even key placement, and understood how to start the engine.

To prevent similar incidents, the station said it plans to tighten key-management protocols and increase on-site security patrols.