Fatality crash involving a pedestrian at Stadium Boulevard and Monk Drive

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Type of incident: Fatality crash involving a pedestrian

Date & Time of Crash: 3/7/2016 @ 8:05 a.m.

Location of crash: MO 740 (Stadium Blvd) @ Monk Drive

Vehicle involved: 1995 New Flyer D40LF, City of Columbia transit bus 374

Driver:Hamis Mukiwa, age 22

City of Columbia transit employee

Columbia, Mo

Not Injured

Seatbelt not used

Pedestrian:David C. Birkenbach, age 66

Columbia, Mo

Sustained fatal injuries

The crash occurred as the City of Columbia transit bus was turning left from Champions Drive to travel west on MO 740 (Stadium Boulevard). A flashing yellow left-turn-yield signal was present at the time the bus attempted the left turn. The bus struck the pedestrian, who was legally within the crosswalk, on the west side of the intersection (closer to Monk Drive) in the westbound MO 740 traffic lanes.  The pedestrian was transported from the scene by EMS to a local hospital for life-threatening injuries. The pedestrian was later pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the bus was not injured. The bus had eight (8) passengers on board at the time of the crash, who were not injured. The westbound lanes of MO 740 were temporarily closed for approximately one hour. The University of Missouri Police Department assisted Columbia police officers with traffic control at the scene.

The primary contributing factor in this crash is the transit bus failing to yield to the pedestrian within the crosswalk, while turning left at the intersection, resulting in fatal injuries to the pedestrian.

Alcohol and/or drugs are not a factor in this crash. The next of kin of the pedestrian has been notified. The investigation is ongoing.