UPDATED: Cumberland Woman Hit & Killed by Peter Pan Bus in Providence's Kennedy Plaza
GoLocalProv News Team
UPDATED: Cumberland Woman Hit & Killed by Peter Pan Bus in Providence's Kennedy Plaza
"All I can say is that we are cooperating with state and local authority and we will probably know more later today. Nobody really knows anything at this point," said Chris Crean, the Vice President of Safety and Security for Peter Pan Buses.
The operator of the bus was identified as Matthew Reidy of Taunton, Massachusetts.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe incident remains under investigation.
The Incident
Cagnon was struck while walking east on Washington Street in Kennedy Plaza. While she was crossing the roadway of East Approach, within the crosswalk, she was hit by a Peter Pan bus traveling east and turning north on East Approach.
Cagnon was dragged approximately 50 feet before the bus came to a stop.
A Providence Park Ranger who was working in the area witnessed the entire incident and immediately summoned Providence Police and Fire. Cagnon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Recent Bus Accidents
This is just the latest in the ongoing string of serious accidents involving busses in Rhode Island.
Just a week ago a man was critically injured when he was run over by a RIPTA bus.
According to Providence Police, Alfredo Alomar, 49, was running toward the bus after it pulled away from the Stop & Shop on Manton Avenue when he lost his footing and fell — his right leg and foot were crushed after becoming lodged under the back tire.
GoLocalProv.com recently looked at the array of bus accidents involving RIPTA that have left a number of pedestrians dead and dozens seriously injured.
This article has been updated as of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24.
RIPTA Crashes - 2016
May 9, 2016
A RIPTA bus crashed into the western entrance of the East Side Trolley Tunnel by College Hill on Monday afternoon.
Witnesses say it looked serious and nine were injured.
"When I got there, it had already happened, but it looked pretty bad," said local artist Philippe Lejeune, who was on the scene. "There were ambulances taking people away."
March 1, 2016
Four passengers and a bus driver were injured when a RIPTA bus crashed into a street lamp at Francis and Gaspee Streets by Providence Place Mall.
The crash was reported at about 2:11 p.m. at Francis and Gaspee streets.
The bus knocked down a street lamp. The RIPTA driver was cited for the accident.
Jan 25, 2016
A Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus crashed into a building in Warwick, sending three people to the hospital. The crash destroyed a commercial building and those business are still displaced today.
September 13, 2015
On September 13, 2015, a RIPTA driver was arrested for disobeying the orders of a Providence Police officer.
The bus driver, according to Providence Police, was arrested for failing to comply with an Providence Police’s order to move his bus.
May 20, 2015
A woman was killed when she was trapped under a bus on Broad Street.
Bobbie Moore died three months from injuries after the accident.
May 29, 2014
A RIPTA transit bus struck Frank McKnight while he was walking in a crosswalk from the Federal District Court building to the John O. Pastore building.
STATEMENT FROM UNITED STATES MARSHAL JAMIE A. HAINSWORTH:
I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of federal Court Security Officer Frank McKnight, 69, of North Kingstown. Officer McKnight passed away at Rhode Island Hospital at 6:30 this evening. Officer McKnight’s family was by his side.
A retired North Kingstown police officer with 25 years of service, having retired at the rank of Lieutenant, Officer McKnight was a court security officer for the past 13 years, most recently assigned to the U.S. District Court building.
Officer McKnight was a dedicated, career law enforcement officer and public servant who came to work daily eager and ready to serve, brandishing a positive attitude and always with a smile. His distinguished career will be heralded. His absence will be greatly felt by all that he worked with and served.
