Santa Monica, California — A deadly crash involving an LA Metro bus near the iconic Santa Monica Pier brought traffic to a standstill Friday afternoon as police and emergency crews rushed to investigate the tragic incident.
The fatal collision occurred around 2 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard, one of the city’s busiest areas filled with both local residents and tourists.
Deadly Collision Sparks Massive Emergency Response
Authorities say a pedestrian was struck and killed in the crash, prompting a major response from the Santa Monica Police Department and firefighters.
According to investigators, both a Metro bus and a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus were initially involved in the investigation. However, officials later confirmed that it was the Metro bus that fatally struck the pedestrian.
Video footage from the scene showed both buses stopped in the intersection while officers surrounded the area and began gathering evidence. Investigators later established a command post nearby as they worked to determine exactly how the tragedy unfolded.
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Moments
People at the scene described frightening moments leading up to the deadly impact.
Witnesses reportedly saw the pedestrian either walking in front of the bus or somehow falling underneath it just before the collision occurred.
Despite those accounts, police emphasized that the exact details remain unclear.
Authorities cautioned that investigators are still trying to piece together the sequence of events and determine precisely what led to the fatal encounter.
LA Metro Releases Statement
LA Metro issued an official statement Friday evening addressing the incident and expressing condolences.
“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’s statement began.
“Preliminary reports indicate the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk and positioned themself under the bus as it pulled away,” the statement added.
“Metro extends its deepest sympathies to the person’s family and friends and thanks the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments for their prompt response. The Santa Monica Police Department is leading the investigation,” LA Metro concluded.
The statement has raised additional questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash, though officials have not yet released the victim’s identity.
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Traffic Paralyzed Near Santa Monica Pier
The aftermath of the collision caused significant traffic disruptions across the area.
Authorities shut down Main Street between Ocean Park Boulevard and Hollister Avenue, while westbound traffic along Ocean Park Boulevard quickly backed up approaching the intersection.
Drivers and pedestrians were forced to avoid the area for several hours as investigators documented the scene and crews worked to clear the roadway.
Given the location’s proximity to the Santa Monica Pier, the incident drew heavy public attention throughout the afternoon and evening.
Investigation Continues
At this stage, police have not announced whether any charges or citations will be issued. Investigators are expected to review witness statements, surveillance footage, and evidence from the scene as they continue examining the deadly crash.
The tragedy serves as another reminder of the dangers pedestrians and drivers face in crowded urban intersections, especially in high-traffic tourist areas.
Officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured video footage to contact investigators.
What do you think should be done to improve pedestrian safety near busy intersections like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
