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A pedestrian was killed Friday afternoon after a terrifying collision with a Metro bus near the Santa Monica Pier sent police and firefighters racing to the scene and shut down one of the city’s busiest intersections.
The deadly crash unfolded around 2 p.m. at Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
Both a Metro bus and a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus were caught up in the investigation, but police confirmed it was the Metro bus that struck and killed the victim, ABC 7 reported.
Shocking video from the scene showed both buses frozen at the intersection while officers crowded around the Santa Monica bus.
Police later established a command post as investigators worked to unravel exactly what happened.
Witnesses described seeing the victim either walking in front of the bus or somehow falling underneath it moments before the fatal impact, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported.
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Police cautioned that the exact sequence of events remains unclear as investigators continue piecing together what led to the tragedy.
LA Metro released a statement Friday evening.
“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 aftermath brought traffic to a grinding halt.
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Main Street was shut down between Ocean Park Boulevard and Hollister Avenue while westbound traffic on Ocean Park Boulevard backed up approaching Main Street.
Police urged drivers to steer clear of the area, warning of heavy delays and ongoing road closures as officers remained at the scene Friday evening.
Authorities said there is no estimate for when the intersection will reopen.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The California Post reached out to the SMPD.
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