Metro Transit bus loses control, damages property

Metro Transit officials say a bus veered off Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis around 10 a.m. Friday, hitting a light pole and the WCCO-TV building.

There were about half a dozen passengers on board at the time, according to Metro Transit spokeman Drew Kerr. One passenger was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center after twisting his ankle as he ran forward to try to hit the brakes.

The driver was also transported to Hennepin County Medical Center where he later died.

"Metro Transit extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the operator's family and friends" said General Manager Brian Lamb in a statement. "Metro Transit operators are in many ways an extended family and this loss will be felt throughout the organization."

Kerr says the bus also came in contact with a bicyclist, who suffered minor injuries. The incident remains under investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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