SAN ANTONIO — A woman is fighting for her life after a driver lost control and slammed into a bus stop. It happened around noon on Thursday.
Police responded to the 4000 block of East Southcross Boulevard near WW White Road.
According to investigators, the 51-year-old woman was waiting for a bus when an SUV hopped a curb and crashed into her. She was pinned under the collapsed bus stop and suffered multiple injuries, a sergeant confirmed.
Two other VIA passengers were at the bus stop, and a 45-year-old man was also taken to the hospital but is expected to be okay.
The car also slammed into a utility pole, knocking a live wire onto Southcross Boulevard.
Investigators believe the driver suffered from a medical episode before the crash. However, several witnesses told KENS 5 he was speeding.
“Public transportation is a pretty big convenience for people who don’t have a vehicle," a VIA passenger told KENS 5. "We are able to get around the city and do what we need to do. It’s very concerning and it’s sad to hear what happened to them. I will keep them in my prayers.”
San Antonio City Council Member Phyllis Viagran represents District 3 where the crash happened.
“We want to make sure if [public transit users] are sitting at a bus stop, they feel safe and they feel like they have some shade," said Viagran. "That has been an issue I have been trying to address.”
The councilwoman says her team will meet with the Public Works Department. She plans to survey the stretch of Southcross Boulevard to see if there are traffic patterns. Viagran plans to look for solutions, even if it means moving the bus stop to another location or further away from the curb.
A VIA spokesperson released the following statement on Thursday.
"Safety is our top priority, whether aboard a VIA vehicle or at a VIA facility. It’s important for all members of our community — whether they’re transit riders, pedestrians, cyclists, people using mobility devices or drivers — to be aware of their surroundings, take safety precautions and act responsibly so that everyone in our community can get where they need to go safely."
The driver was treated on the scene, but it is unclear he will face any charges.
“For the people who ride the bus, please be aware of your surroundings," said Viagran. "For the drivers out there, just remember the responsibility that you have while driving to make sure that you are putting that phone down and are keeping track of the speed limit.”
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