Lakewood, CA Obituary, Death, Car Accident – A woman has tragically lost her life after a school bus collided with a car in Lakewood, California, near the Cerritos border, sending the vehicle onto the sidewalk and into her bicycle. The incident unfolded around 8:25 a.m. at the intersection of Norwalk and Del Amo boulevards, prompting a rapid response from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
According to authorities, the crash occurred when the school bus attempted to make a turn from westbound Del Amo Boulevard onto southbound Norwalk Boulevard. Simultaneously, a black Honda sedan was traveling east on Del Amo Boulevard and allegedly ran a red light, striking the bus. The impact caused the Honda to veer off the road and onto the sidewalk, where it struck an elderly woman who was riding her bicycle and had stopped at the intersection.
Despite the immediate response from emergency services, the woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene. No other injuries were reported from the accident, although the bus driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment of anxiety. The driver of the Honda is not believed to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement, the ABC Unified School District expressed condolences but deferred specific comments regarding the accident to the Sheriff’s Department. A spokesperson confirmed that no students were aboard the bus at the time of the collision. The district is taking steps to support students who may have witnessed the tragic event, providing access to mental health professionals to help them cope with the aftermath.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The collision has raised significant concerns within the local community regarding traffic safety, particularly at the busy intersection of Norwalk and Del Amo boulevards. Residents have called for increased safety measures, including better signage, traffic lights, and enforcement of traffic laws to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
“This is a tragic reminder of the dangers that can occur when drivers disregard traffic signals,” said one local resident. “We need to do everything we can to ensure that our streets are safe for everyone, especially our most vulnerable road users.” As the investigation continues, community members are mourning the loss of the elderly cyclist, whose identity has not yet been publicly released. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor her memory and call attention to the need for safer roads for cyclists and pedestrians.
Conclusion
This heartbreaking incident serves as a wake-up call for both drivers and pedestrians about the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic laws. The loss of a life in such a tragic manner underscores the urgent need for community awareness and proactive measures to protect all road users.