Sun Metro bus hits woman in downtown El Paso

An elderly woman remains hospitlized after a Sun Metro bus hit her while she was crossing the street in downtown El Paso Monday afternoon.

Police said 71-year-old Consuelo Grijalva was crossing northbound at Texas Avenue when the bus was making a left turn from Stanton Street. Special Traffic Investigators said they believe the woman had the right of way, crossing on a walk signal.

With about eight people on board the bus and many people on the sidewalk, there were many witnesses to the accident.

"I just heard the break of the tires, and people yelling and running for the bus," said Rachel Rojas, who was bringing lunch to her boyfriend at work. "She was stuck under the bus in front of the tires. It was heartbreaking. You could tell she was in a lot of pain."

Rescue crews were able to pull Grijalva out from under the bus without lifting the vehicle off the ground, and rushed her to University Medical Center with critical injuries.

"With the high level of pedestrian traffic downtown, around schools, or different places where you see it, it's very important to be congnisant and keep and extra eye out for pedestrians," said Sergeant Chris Mears with the El Paso Police Department.

Rojas, who said she's also had close calls with Sun Metro busses in the area, echoed Mears's warning.

"This is downtown," Rojas said. "This is where elderly ladies come to do their shopping, just slow down."

Sun Metro spokewoman Laura Cruz- Acosta said the driver of the bus, 41-year-old Juan Lorenzo Vargas, will not be driving while the investigation continues.

Instead, Vargas will be assigned to duties in the Sun Metro office.

Earlier Monday morning, another Sun Metro bus was involved in a vehicle crash.

The bus driver was not at fault; a car that tried cutting off the bus at Mesa Street and Yandell Drive was hit by the bus when it made an unsafe lane change.

Two passengers on board of that bus were taken to the hospital for minor injuries.