Tragedy Strikes in Tewksbury: Pedestrian Fatally Hit by Bus in Busy Shopping Plaza
A somber mood settled over Tewksbury on Monday after a devastating accident occurred in the bustling Market Basket shopping plaza. At around 11:45 a.m., a pedestrian was fatally struck by a Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) bus in the Stadium Plaza parking lot, located on Main Street near Clark Road. The incident has left the community in shock and sparked an urgent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Police Response and Initial Investigation
When officers from the Tewksbury Police Department arrived at the scene, they found the victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. According to Police Chief Ryan Columbus, the bus was on a planned route through the parking lot when the accident occurred. The driver, who remained at the scene, is cooperating fully with the authorities as they work to piece together what happened. The victim’s body was initially shielded from public view behind a fabric screen, but the gravity of the situation was evident to those nearby.
Witnesses Describe the Scene
Kathy Smart, a frequent shopper at the plaza, shared her harrowing experience. “When I drove by, you could see the body lying on the ground with a lot of blood around it,” she remarked. “Unless the person darted out, I have no idea how it happened. You feel bad for whoever it was—it’s a sad situation.” Her account underscores the shock and confusion that followed the accident, as bystanders struggled to process the sudden loss of life in such a busy and familiar location.
A Beloved Community Hub
The Stadium Plaza, home to Market Basket, CVS, Marshalls, and other businesses, is a hub of activity for local residents. It’s a place where daily routines and errands bring people together, making the tragedy all the more jarring. The plaza’s vibrant atmosphere was replaced Monday with an air of sorrow, as news of the incident spread quickly through the community.
LRTA and Authorities Respond
The Lowell Regional Transit Authority issued a statement expressing their condolences. “This is a tragic accident,” a spokesperson said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. We are fully cooperating with state and local authorities as they continue this investigation.” The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office is also assisting the Tewksbury police to ensure a thorough and transparent probe into the incident.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the accident to come forward. Meanwhile, the community is grappling with the loss of a life in a place many call their own. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in shared public spaces. Boston 25 News has a team on the ground, and updates will be provided as more details emerge. In the meantime, the people of Tewksbury mourn the loss of a neighbor and hope for clarity in the days ahead.
