A 47-year old bus driver has been killed in an auto collision that occurred in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Olivia Gamboa of Montebello, a Metro bus driver, collided with a flatbed truck when the truck driver failed to stop at a red light while going southbound on Broadway, according on witnesses and camera evidence. Dave Sotero of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority confirmed the death of Olivia Gamboa following her transport to a hospital with critical injuries.
Witnesses estimate that the 30-year old tow truck driver, who suffered head trauma as a result of the accident and was in serious condition, was traveling at about 60 mph in a 30 mph zone at the time of the accident. Following the collision at Fifth Street and Broadway, the tow truck, registered to Hermosa Beach Towing company, then plowed into a 7-Eleven convenience store, injuring a store employee. The store, which received considerable damage, was not open at the time of the accident.
Fire-rescue members were initially able to revive Gamboa after finding her found face-down in water which was gushing from a fire hydrant that was sheared off in the accident. After being hospitalized in critical condition, Gamboa died later Wednesday morning, according to Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant Steve Bailey.
Gamboa, a 13-year employee of Metro, was the only employee aboard the Metro bus when the accident occurred. She was just starting her morning route according to a Metro spokesman. Metro’s The Source blog reports that Gamboa’s husband and daughter are also employed as Metro bus operators. The following was stated on The Source blog: “Co-workers recalled Olivia as quiet, family-oriented and very well liked by both passengers and colleagues.”
The following statement was posted on the Metro bus company’s website: “Metro is saddened to learn of the passing of one of our family members this morning as a result of a horrific accident in downtown Los Angeles. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bus operator’s family and friends during this difficult time. A thorough investigation of the accident is underway.”
While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, investigators were reviewing surveillance video taken from a camera inside the bus, a camera from the 7-Eleven, as well as a camera at an apartment complex above the store. According to a MTA source, the videos show the tow truck driver run a red light as he crossed the intersection.
Broadway and 5Th Street were closed at mid-day on Wednesday following the accident to allow for further investigation and clean up. Fire crews shut off the destroyed fire hydrant, which had flooded the intersection.
If you or someone you love is seriously injured in a bus or trucking accident in the Los Angeles area or the state of California, you will need a lawyer who will exhaustively investigate the details of your case and who will fight aggressively to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible. To schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney, contact The Killino Firm today.
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