The bus driver that fatally struck a pedestrian Wednesday afternoon was placed on administrative leave until the investigation has concluded, according to officials.

Just before 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, 34-year-old Henry Rodriguez was struck by a bus near First Avenue and Van Buren Street when crossing First Avenue against the “Do Not Walk” signal, Phoenix police said.

According to a spokesman from the Phoenix Public Transit Department, the bus is a RAPID bus and is owned by the city of Phoenix but operated by Transdev, one of two companies the city of Phoenix contracts with for its bus operations.

Transdev, which contracts more than 700 bus operators in Phoenix, said the company “is extremely saddened about the fatal accident.” 

MORE: Pedestrian dies after being hit by city bus in downtown Phoenix

According to Transdev’s website, the company is the largest private operator of multiple modes of transit in North America.

“Those impacted by the tragedy are in our thoughts,” a Transdev spokeswoman said. 

Transdev said the 38-year-old driver was placed on administrative leave while the investigation continued.

Witnesses said they heard Rodriguez screaming while pinned under the bus. He passed out once freed. 

He was transported to the hospital in extremely critical condition where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation is ongoing. 

READ MORE:

Read or Share this story: https://azc.cc/2LM4xa2