A devastating accident occurred on Friday night in Perth, leaving one man dead after being hit by a Transperth bus.
The incident happened on Wellington Street, near the Perth Arena, around 6:15 pm.
What Happened
The bus was turning right onto Wellington Street from Milligan Street when it struck the 45-year-old pedestrian, who was crossing the road.
Despite efforts to save him, the man succumbed to critical injuries and died at the scene.
The bus driver, a 37-year-old man, was not injured and is cooperating with the police investigation.
Investigation Underway
Major Crash investigators are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The increased foot traffic in the area due to a sports event at the Perth Arena may have contributed to the accident, but it’s unclear if the victim was attending the event.
A Predicted Tragedy?
Local resident Chris Clark had previously expressed concerns about pedestrian safety outside the Perth Arena after a close call with a car about two months ago.
“I told them something needs to be done,” he said. “Whether it’s clearer signage or more time for pedestrians to cross, someone will die, and that’s exactly what has happened here.”
Clark emphasized the need for drivers to yield to pedestrians, especially when the amber flashing light is on, indicating pedestrians have the right of way.
Calls for Improved Safety
Clark suggested that additional education for drivers and extra time for pedestrians to cross without interference from other lights turning green could be a step in the right direction.
This incident comes after a woman was killed by a Transperth bus on the Causeway in East Perth in March, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.
Unrelated Incident Claims Another Life
In a separate incident, a driver was killed in a three-vehicle crash involving a road train, a car, and a tow truck, north-east of Perth.
The accident occurred on the Great Northern Highway in Chittering, and the driver of the car died at the scene.
No one else was injured, and the road was closed between Blue Plains Road and Chittering Road while emergency services responded to the incident.