Woman Hit And Killed By MBTA Bus In Chelsea Identified
CHELSEA (CBS) - Transit police have identified the woman hit and killed by an MBTA bus in Chelsea early Thursday morning.
Mary Pettiglio, 60, of East Boston was struck on Everett Avenue at the on ramp to the Tobin Bridge around 5:40 a.m. It's not clear if she was using the crosswalk at the time of the crash.
"The MBTA is deeply saddened by this tragic event, and we extend our condolences to Ms. Pettiglio's family and loved ones. The bus operator has been suspended and the MBTA Transit Police, State Police and the Suffolk District Attorney's office will continue their joint investigation," said a statement by the MBTA Transit Police.
A visibly shaken neighbor, Oscar Rivera, said the woman was likely on her way to the grocery store because she had her shopping cart with her. "She crossed from the corner through here and she was going down to (the) market," he said. "I saw her down. ... I saw her laying down."
"I feel bad for the lady and the family, too," said Frankie Suarez, who lives in the area. Suarez the area can be a dangerous one for pedestrians. "Sometimes it's kind of hard to cross because sometimes people can't see," he said. "(There's) constantly a bus passing by every 15 minutes. It's just hard."
Another neighborhood commuter agreed. "Always, it's always busy right here with a lot of people, always packed," she said.
MBTA bus just towed away from Tobin Bridge on-ramp where pedestrian was hit and killed this morning in #Chelsea. Transit Police just identified the victim as a 60 year old woman from the area. Investigation ongoing @wbz pic.twitter.com/wOL3AKykhY
— Nick Giovanni (@NickGNews) April 18, 2019
Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan said it appeared the victim was "in the company of another person," when she was struck.
"Our investigators need to interview the operator. As soon as that's complete, as standard operating procedure, the driver will be brought for a drug and alcohol test," Sullivan said.
The bus driver has been with the MBTA for 12 years. He was taken to the hospital to be evaluated. He will not drive a bus again until the investigation is concluded.
Everett Avenue was shut down and traffic was diverted at Spruce Street and at Chestnut Street during the investigation. The bus was eventually towed away and the on ramp was re-opened just before 9 a.m.