Metrobus Driver Dies After being Pinned to Wall

UPDATED A Metrobus operator has died after she was pinned between a concrete retaining wall and a 2011 Newfoundland XDE Metrobus on Dec. 30 at the White Oak Shopping Center.

The accident happened at 3:38 p.m. at 11200 New Hampshire Avenue.

Metro spokesperson Philip Stewart said there were no passengers on the bus and the bus was not in service when the incident occurred.

According to Montgomery County police, the preliminary investigation indicates that the bus apparently began to move after the driver exited the bus. Police said the driver of the bus attempted to engage the brake by reaching through the driver’s window before being struck by the bus and pinned against the wall.

Police have identified the bus driver as Thomasine Maria Smith, 47, of Old Stage Road in Laurel. Fire rescue crews transported her from the scene to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.

Officials from WMATA and Metro Transit police are assisting Montgomery County police with the investigation. Anyone with information about this collision is asked to call the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240.773.6620.

MCFRS Update- White Oak Shop Ctr Adl female drver pinned btw Metro Bus and retaining wall. Pt free Trans to LLC trauma ctr w/ serious injs.

— Scott Graham (@MCFirePIO) December 30, 2013

About Sonya Burke

Sonya Burke is the Multimedia Manager at Montgomery Community Media (MCM). You can email story ideas at sburke@mymcmedia.org or reach her on Twitter @SonyaNBurke.

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