Santa Monica Woman Killed After Crawling Under Metro Bus

On Friday, May 15, 2026, at about 2 p.m., a westbound Metro 33 Line bus stopped at the intersection of Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica was struck by an adult woman who had crawled beneath the vehicle. As the bus pulled away, she suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. First-responders from the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments secured the area; the driver remained on site and cooperated with investigators. Police have not identified the victim, but officials say she is believed to be homeless.

PatchLA TimesKTLANew York PostWoman killed by Metro bus crawled under it.KTLA

The Metro 33 Line runs near the Santa Monica Pier, a pedestrian area. The investigation noted that the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk at the Main Street–Ocean Park stop, which is located near the pier, a public space.

KTLA

The Santa Monica Police Department said preliminary investigation shows the bus was stopped when the pedestrian moved underneath it and found no sign of driver impairment or distraction. Los Angeles Metro issued a parallel release noting the fatality, extending its deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and friends, and thanking police and fire departments for their prompt response. Both agencies highlighted the driver’s cooperation and the ongoing investigation.

New York Post

The victim’s name has not been released, and authorities have not explained why she crawled beneath the bus. No eyewitness testimony has been published, and investigators have found no mechanical fault with the bus. These omissions constitute the primary gaps in the public record.

LA Times

• “Preliminary investigation indicates the Metro bus was stopped when the pedestrian moved underneath the bus,” — Santa Monica Police Department, news release

KTLA

• “At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication of impairment or distraction on the part of the operator,” — Santa Monica Police Department, statement

KTLA

• “Metro released the following statement to KTLA: “This afternoon, a westbound Metro 33 Line Bus, pulling away from the bus stop at Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, made contact with a pedestrian, resulting in a fatality.” — Los Angeles Metro, statement

KTLA

• “Metro extends its deepest sympathies to the person’s family and friends and thanks the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments for their prompt response.” — Los Angeles Metro, statement

KTLA

SMPD investigators have reviewed surveillance video and continue the investigation. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact Sgt. Jason Olson at 310-458-8367 or via email. The incident may trigger a review of bus-stop safety measures in pedestrian zones.

Woman killed by Metro bus crawled under it.