A fatal collision between a female cyclist and a Rochester Transit Service bus took place in the very early hours of Thursday morning. The cyclist was killed after reportedly having been struck and then run over by the bus. Police are still investigating the incident.
According to Rochester Police Captain John Corbelli, the unnamed female cyclist was declared dead on the scene after having become trapped and pinned under its wheels. Witnesses indicated that the bike rider and the bus were travelling in the same direction, northbound, on North Clinton Avenue in Rochester when the cyclist apparently turned her bike directly into the path of the oncoming bus. Though the Rochester Transit Service driver attempted to avoid a collision by turning into the southbound lane of the road, his evasive action was unsuccessful and he hit the cyclist. According to Corbelli, “The individual was run over by the bus and currently we are conducting an investigation as to the circumstances on how it took place and to do a reconstruction of the scene.” There are no indications as to whether the extreme cold temperatures or any ice on the road may have played a part in the accident.
The RTS bus was carrying passengers at the time of the incident but there were no reported injuries to either the driver or the passengers. The Rochester Transit System is operated by the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, which issued a statement expressing its sorrow following the incident and indicating that the investigation was being conducted by the Rochester Police Department. “We’re deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred this morning on Clinton Avenue. The Rochester Police Department is in charge of the investigation and we are cooperating with them completely. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim and our bus operator at this very difficult time.”
At the time of the crash the RTS bus was carrying four passengers in addition to the driver, who the police captain reported was extremely upset by the incident. “The bus driver is quite emotional about the event, and that is quite understandable.”