Texas Cyclist Fatally Struck by School Bus

HOUSTON — A school bus driver here allegedly fatally struck a bicycle rider on Thursday afternoon.

The bicyclist was struck when the bus driver was departing from a stop sign and traveling eastbound on East 8th St., according to a news release from the Houston Police Department. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Houston Police Department Lt. Thurston Roberson added in a press conference that the bus driver went in front of the bicyclist and hit him, Houston Chronicle reports. The bicyclist, who was identified as David Leon Loya, KTRK reports, was in the bike lane, according to police. Police added that they believe Loya anticipated the crash and tried to react, according to KTRK.  

Houston Independent School District officials said in a statement, Houston Chronicle reports, that there was one student aboard the bus at the time, and that the driver and student were not injured. Neighbors told KTRK that the bus driver exited the bus and appeared to be distraught. She was taken to the hospital.

Investigators are reviewing footage from a camera aboard the school bus, and the district told the news source that its transportation department is cooperating with the investigation.

KTRK reported on Friday that a grand jury will determine whether the bus driver should be criminally charged for the incident.