A 69-year-old Santa Ana woman died Wednesday morning after a garbage truck struck her as she crossed the street near an elementary school, authorities said.
The crash happened shortly before 8 a.m. near Shelton Street and Bishop Street, less than a block from Pio Pico Elementary School, according to the Santa Ana Police Department.
Officers arrived to find that a garbage truck had hit a pedestrian. The victim, identified as Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga, was pronounced dead at the scene by Orange County Fire Authority paramedics.
Investigators said the garbage truck was traveling east on Bishop Street and turned right onto Shelton Street at a roundabout when it hit the woman as she crossed.
Police said the driver stayed at the scene and has been cooperating with the investigation.
City officials issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and noting the tragedy occurred while many families and children were in the area. Santa Ana leaders also contacted school district officials to offer assistance.
Santa Ana Unified School District activated a crisis team and offered support for students and staff at Pio Pico Elementary School.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information is asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigation Unit at (714) 245-8224.
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