A man out walking his dog in the South End of Boston was hit by a school bus early in the morning of Friday, January 23, 2015. He is reported to be a man in his 50s, and his identity has not been released to the public. The dog he was walking lost its life in the crash. His injuries were said to be serious according to first responders on scene, and he is currently receiving medical treatment at Tufts Medical Center on Washington Street.
The accident took place just after 7:00 a.m. at the corner of Dartmouth Street and Columbus Avenue. The bus was reportedly transporting 21 students to Concord-Carlisle Regional High School when the incident took place. The bus stopped and waited for authorities to arrive on scene following the crash. No students were injured during the incident, and school officials report that guidance counselors were on site to provide psychological support to the students, who may have been emotionally shaken after the incident, even though no physical injuries were sustained. The bus was temporarily encapsulated by crime scene tape following the crash, but was later able to transport the students back to the high school where they met with counselors who will provide ongoing services to any student in need.
Local residents expressed dismay but not shock upon hearing of the incident which cost a man his health and a dog its life. They stated that pedestrian-involved vehicle accidents are common in the area, and that it is not easy being a pedestrian in the area, as drivers may lack caution and roads are not always amenable to walking.
A police investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, and officers have stated that the driver has not been arrested as a result of the incident.