81-year-old killed by school bus; driver not cited
Police have identified the man hit and killed by a school bus near downtown Minneapolis on Tuesday as 81-year-old Theodore Larson of Coon Rapids.
Larson was hit by the bus while crossing a street shortly before 2:30 p.m. The accident happened at the intersection of East 15th Street and Park Avenue, just blocks away from the spot where a bicyclist was struck and killed by a tractor trailer last week.
Police said when the light turned green, the bus began to make a left onto Park Avenue and struck Larson, who was walking alone at the crosswalk. Larson had a walk sign when he was hit, according to police spokesman Sgt. Jesse Garcia.
Officials said the driver told authorities he didn't see the man.
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"This was a complete accident," Garcia said. "With a school bus, there are numerous blind spots, and there was no intent or foul play."
The bus belongs to the Hastings-based Minneapolis Suburban Bus company. One child, who was on board at the time of the accident and was taken away from the scene, Garcia said.
Larson was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died Tuesday night.
Police said the accident is still under investigation. The driver of the bus will likely not be charged, Garcia said, because it appears there was no malice or intent.