A woman struck and killed by a bus in Santa Monica may have intentionally placed herself under the vehicle, authorities said Saturday.
The woman, described as a 39-year-old pedestrian, was struck at about 2:40 p.m. Friday near Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
LA Metro described events in a statement:
“This afternoon, a westbound Metro 33 Line Bus, pulling away from the bus stop at Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, made contact with a pedestrian, resulting in a fatality,” LA Metro said in a statement Friday. “Preliminary reports indicate the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk and positioned themselves under the bus as it pulled away.”
Fox11 reported the woman was homeless.
“Investigators located security video from a nearby business, which provided a clearer view of the circumstances leading up to the collision,” SMPD Lt. Lewis Gilmore said. “Preliminary investigation indicates the Metro bus was stopped when the pedestrian moved underneath the bus. As the bus pulled away from the stop, the pedestrian was struck and sustained fatal injuries. The Metro bus operator remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication of impairment or distraction on the part of the operator.”
Anyone with further information regarding the crash was urged to call the SMPD at 310-458-8367, or the department’s watch commander at 310-458-8427.