Just five hours after an accident involving a sanitation truck that killed a 67-year-old woman in Brooklyn, another pedestrian was killed after she fell from a moving MTA bus and was run over by the rear wheels. Tragically, this incident marks at least eight pedestrians that have been killed in New York City since the start of the year.
At around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020, a woman was riding southbound on a B41 MTA bus. As the bus traveled near Flatbush and Flatlands avenues in Brooklyn, the passenger, believed to be in her 30s, forcibly pried the bus doors open and exited as the bus was passing a utility pole. The woman’s body hit the pole, was knocked to the ground below, and was run over by the bus’s rear tires.
The bus came to a complete stop and passengers exited to find the woman with severe trauma to her head and body. A witness described the nightmarish event to reporters stating, “You could see blood dripping from her head. Her body was moving. She moved like three times. Then she stopped and didn’t move again.”
Witnesses immediately called first responders who ultimately pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Many were shocked by the events that took place. Fellow bus passengers described to reporters what happened on board the bus before the woman was injured, one sharing, “The lady rang the bell, but the bus driver said she rang it too late and didn’t stop. She started screaming ‘Open the door, open the door!'”
The driver reportedly tried to pull over once the passenger began kicking the bus doors, but the woman, unfortunately, managed to exit before the driver could come to a complete stop. The driver, who was 60 years old with 20 years of job experience, remained at the scene and was not charged by police.
The NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is investigating the incident. Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones after this harrowing event.
Pedestrian safety is a major issue in New York City. In a city where the majority of commuters travel primarily on foot, it is incredibly important that pedestrians follow necessary safety precautions when out on the roads. When traveling on foot, some important safety measures include, but are not limited to:
- Making sure you are visible to drivers
- Wearing reflective clothing or carrying a light when traveling at night
- Crossing at well-lit intersections
- Staying alert at all times
The Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy have a proven track record of obtaining justice for injured pedestrians. We will work tirelessly to help accident victims receive legal compensation for their losses, as in the case of a pedestrian we helped win a $32 million verdict after he was severely injured when a drug-impaired driver struck him on the side of a road.
For a free, no-obligation legal consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, call 212-736-5300 or fill out our online contact form.