A potential disastrous situation onboard an MBTA bus was avoided Wednesday thanks to a quick-thinking driver and two Boston police officers.

Around 12:30 p.m., the driver, Wilberto Colon—a 21-year veteran of the MBTA out of the Cabot Bus Garage—said the man came to front of the bus brandishing a hatchet and told him to stop the bus.

Colon convinced him to let most of the passengers off the bus and engaged the individual in conversation as he drove the bus around to find police. When he came upon a police detail, he stopped the bus, got out, and notified them of the situation.

Two police officers quickly boarded the bus and after learning the man was a veteran thanked him for his service. Upon hearing the compliment, the man dropped the hatchet and walked off the bus under his own power and into an ambulance.

“I commend Wilberto on his selfless actions to not only ensure the safety of his passengers, but also to help save the life of this poor veteran. This is just another example of our members going above and beyond for the riding public,” said Jimmy O’Brien, president of the Boston Carmen’s Union, Local 589.

Watch the video below.

7News Boston WHDH-TV