Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Willis Street workers have rushed to help after a pedestrian was hit by a bus and taken to hospital in a serious condition.
Emergency services were alerted to the crash on Willis Street at around 10am on Friday morning.
A nearby store has closed for the day following the crash – which happened directly outside several shop fronts.
Siobhan said she and a colleague – both first-aid trained – saw it unfold.
“There was a bus coming from this way (southbound) and someone crossing the road and she just collided with the bus.”
She said the person was hit hard and fell to the ground.
“So we jumped in, started supporting her head, called the ambulance … and just kept her comfortable and made sure she was awake.”
Siobhan said the person was conscious throughout, but clearly in shock and a bit of pain.
One worker said she heard a series of honking followed by the sound of an impact.
She said people immediately swung into action.
Another staffer who began directing traffic around the scene said it was a wake-up call to be careful around such busy streets.
Wellington Free Ambulance confirmed the person was taken to Wellington Hospital.
Metlink operations senior manager Paul Tawharu said bus driver involved was shaken but un-hurt.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Tawharu said the bus had been released by Police back to the Metlink depot.
“The bus operator is helping Police with their investigation, including sharing CCTV footage.
“Metlink is grateful for the swift arrival of emergency services and advises passengers there may be delays while bus services return to their normal timetables.”
Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible, and expect delays.
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