There was a fatal accident involving a charter bus and an 18-year old high school student who was just days away from her high school graduation. The incident took place on June 8th, when Monserrat Hernandez Garcia, a senior at Hudson’s Bay High School crossed the street in downtown Portland, Oregon and was struck and killed by a bus.
According to those at the scene, the large white POINT (Public Oregon Intercity Transit) bus, which services both Amtrak and Greyhound, was turning off of westbound Gilsand Street onto northbound Sixth Avenue when it ran over the young woman, who some indicated had the light when she was crossing and others say was jaywalking. The bus is operated by MTR Western bus, and shuttles passengers back and forth between the various cities including Portland and Astoria around the state. Witnesses say that when the incident happened a man ran up and banged on the side of the bus, calling for the driver to stop. Once the bus had halted, the driver got out, surveyed the scene, and immediately called for help.
The bus company has been in operation since 2003 and provides various transportation services, including corporate shuttle services, long-distance tours, and charter service for professional and collegiate sports events. No information has been released about the driver’s history but police have indicated that he was not impaired at the time of the incident. The driver was identified as 68-year old Charles Start, who police indicate cooperated fully. At this time no citations have been written and no charges were filed, though the case will automatically be referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office.
A statement released by Marka Waechter, the bus company’s CEO, said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim. This is a terrible tragedy for everyone involved. We are cooperating with local investigators who are gathering the facts of the accident. We will share additional information as soon as it becomes available.”
The accident created a disruption of MAX Green and Yellow bus lines as police investigated. The bus remained parked in the middle of the street at a slight angle for hours following the incident, and many people stood behind the police caution tape giving statements.