The accident happened at Slauson Avenue and Figueroa Street around 8:30 a.m. The woman was identified as 56-year-old Ena Villalobos. Family members say she was on her way to the local clinic. Investigators say the private tour bus was heading southbound on Figueroa and was turning left to head eastbound on Slauson when the driver hit the victim, who was crossing northbound on Figueroa at Slauson.
Investigators say the driver did not see the woman in the crosswalk. The bus driver stopped and waited for authorities. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The driver has been cooperative, he had everything in order, he had the proper license to drive the bus. There were no passengers on the bus," said LAPD Sgt. Susie Padilla.
Witnesses say it was a gruesome accident, and it appeared the bus driver was in a hurry to try to make the light.
"She had the right of way and the bus came and just took her out, ran her over," said Johnathon Pineda.
Two L.A. City firefighters responding to the accident were hurt when they were involved in a three-vehicle collision. On the way to the scene, the ambulance overturned. Both firefighters were taken to the hospital but they were not seriously injured. Another driver involved was also taken to the hospital.
Investigators say the bus driver has not been cited or arrested and that the incident appears to be nothing more than a tragic accident. An investigation is ongoing.
