THOUSANDS of people in the eastern city of Hangzhou on Tuesday mourned the death of Wu Bin, the bus driver who saved 24 passengers after being fatally injured by a piece of metal that flew through his bus’ windshield May 29.

Wu was conferred Monday the honorary title of “revolutionary martyr” for sacrificing his own life to save his passengers by the Zhejiang Provincial Government.

Wu, a 48-year-old bus driver from Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, died from injuries Friday, three days after a sheet of metal flew through the windshield of his bus while he was driving from Wuxi to Hangzhou. With the help of auto experts, police have determined that the 3.5-kilogram piece of metal causing the accident was part of a brake hub that fell off another vehicle.

Although the sheet of metal severely injured Wu, a surveillance video shows him stopping the bus, turning on the hazard lights, putting on the parking brake and advising the passengers to remain seated before collapsing from his injuries.

Wu’s heroic deeds have deeply moved the public. A memorial service was held for him at Hangzhou Funeral Home on Tuesday, where thousands of people paid their tributes voluntarily.

(SD-Agencies)

People bid farewell to Wu Bin at a memorial service held for him at Hangzhou Funeral Home in Zhejiang Province on Tuesday.Xinhua

Officials and residents bid farewell to Wu at his memorial funeral Tuesday.

Colleagues of Wu salute as the hearse carrying the coffin of Wu passes by.

A man holds a banner writing “Pay tribute to folk hero.”

Wu’s family members carry his portrait.

People gather at the community entrance of Wu’s residence Monday.

A video grab shows Wu being hit by a piece of metal May 29.