A tragic incident occurred on the campus of Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Massachusetts, when an adult male was fatally struck by a commuter bus. The accident took place at approximately 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday, as reported by Boston 25 News. The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority bus was departing the stop in front of the student center when the collision occurred.
The unidentified man was quickly transported to Holy Family Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. As investigation is underway by Haverhill Police and State Police, it remains unclear what factors may have led to the deadly event. Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt expressed her condolences, stating, "Our hearts break for the friends and family of the individual who was struck and killed today," in a statement obtained by NBC Boston.
Northern Essex Community College released a statement responding to the tragedy, extending their "deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends," and confirmed their commitment to working with authorities. Information from the Essex County District Attorney's Office detailed by WCVB noted that multiple state police units are involved in the investigation, including the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Crime Scene Services Section, and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section.
An administrator with the MVRTA mentioned that the victim was a regular bus rider, known to fellow passengers and the driver. A spokesperson lamented the loss, saying, "In transit, we may not always know everybody’s name, but after repeated shared travels and commutes, passengers and drivers become like family. As transit providers, this is our worst nightmare." Charges or citations for the bus driver have not yet been announced, leaving a wait for the outcome of the continuing investigation.
