A pedestrian was killed early this morning after being hit by a bus on South Claiborne Avenue near Jackson Avenue in Central City, according to New Orleans police. New Orleans EMS pronounced the person dead at the scene, and officers say they received the initial call at 12:12 a.m. The incident remains under investigation by New Orleans police.
According to NOLA.com, an NOPD release provided the early details and did not specify what type of bus was involved. Detectives released few immediate facts as they began their probe.
A Busy Corridor With Repeated Crashes
South Claiborne is a heavily traveled artery lined with fast-food spots and retail, and it has seen other deadly pedestrian collisions in recent months. As detailed in South Claiborne turns deadly for woman crossing busy New Orleans artery in April, a woman was killed while crossing S. Claiborne, and local reporting has repeatedly flagged this stretch for safety improvements.
City Safety Plans Target S. Claiborne
The City of New Orleans has already identified parts of S. Claiborne as a priority corridor for pedestrian-safety upgrades, including potential signal timing changes, high-visibility crosswalks and bus-stop improvements. As outlined by the City of New Orleans, the Safety Action Plan lists S. Claiborne among the high-injury corridors slated for those fixes.
Traffic Rules And Transit On The Avenue
City ordinances impose lower prima facie speed limits for trucks and buses on segments near Jackson and S. Claiborne, an attempt to keep vehicle speeds in check where pedestrians are common. The municipal code sets trucks and buses at 20 mph on sections around Jackson Avenue, according to the New Orleans municipal code. Multiple RTA routes run along S. Claiborne and include stops at Jackson Avenue, according to Busmaps.com.
Police say the investigation is ongoing. We will update this story as authorities release more information.
