Out Of Control Bus Collides With Pedestrian

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, September 29, 2000

"Out Of Control Bus Collides With Pedestrian"

Wilmington: On September 28, 2000, at approximately 1:30 pm, a privately contracted bus working for the MTA, was westbound on Pacific Coast Highway. As the driver attempted to make a right turn to go northbound on Bixby Avenue, the right rear tires of the bus went over the curb and onto the sidewalk on the northeast corner of the intersection. The driver then lost control of the bus and accelerated off the roadway into a bus bench striking a pedestrian. The bus continued out of control into a parking lot and uprooted a palm tree. The bus continued down an alley and came to rest after knocking down a power pole and two transformers.

The driver and six passengers of the bus exited out side windows. They were transported to Torrance Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The pedestrian, a 59 year old male, was rushed to Harbor General Hospital with severe injuries to his legs and is listed in critical condition.

A follow-up investigation by South Traffic Division Detectives revealed that the driver of the bus was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The investigation is ongoing. For further information, contact Detective Bill Whittaker at 323-290-6063.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

For Release 5:00 pm PDT
September 28, 2000