Cobb County bus hits, critically injures pedestrian

A CobbLinc bus tried to avoid hitting a pedestrian Wednesday night in Marietta.

A CobbLinc bus tried to avoid hitting a pedestrian Wednesday night in Marietta.

A pedestrian is in the hospital with serious injuries after a Cobb County bus hit her Wednesday night.

According to police, CobbLinc driver Richard Morton, 46, of Marietta, was approaching South Fairground Street from South Marietta Parkway about 7:45 p.m. when a pedestrian failed to yield to the bus and entered its lane of travel.

“The pedestrian, who was walking northbound, was outside of a designated crosswalk,” Marietta police spokesman Officer Jared Rakestraw said in a statement. “Morton attempted to avoid the pedestrian but was unable to.”

The bus hit her about 250 feet west of the crosswalk, according to police.

Morton and the six passengers on the bus were not injured.

The pedestrian, whose name was not released, was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital, Rakestraw said. He sent an update Thursday afternoon saying the woman is still critical, but her condition is improving.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Officer St. Onge at 770-794-5352.

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