3 years ago
WASHINGTON (AP) -- All Metrobus operators will be required to undergo annual safety training after two Virginia women were struck and killed by a bus while crossing a downtown street, the transit agency announced Thursday.
The fatal accident Wednesday was the third involving a Metrobus and pedestrians in eight months. Four people have been killed.
Metro general manager John B. Catoe Jr. said all bus operators will receive one to two days of annual mandatory training. Currently, operators receive safety training based on their record. He also said drivers will be instructed about the importance of pedestrian safety.
The two women had the "walk" signal to cross Pennsylvania Avenue on Wednesday night when a bus turned left onto the avenue and struck them, Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said.
One woman died at the scene and the other died at George Washington University Hospital, fire department spokesman Alan Etter said.
District of Columbia police identified the victims as Sally McGee, whose age was not known, and Martha S. Schoenborn, 59. The two were neighbors in Alexandria, Va.
The driver, Victor Z. Kolako, 53, of Southeast Washington, was charged late Wednesday with two counts of negligent homicide, police said.
"We offer our condolences to the family," Catoe said. "It was a tragic day."
Catoe said the operator involved in Wednesday's accident had a good safety record and had more than the required eight hours of rest before his shift began.
"It does not appear to be an issue of fatigue," Catoe said.
