The Santa Barbara Police Department has identified the driver of the MTD bus crash that left one dead and three others injured last week as 60-year-old Aura Mijangos.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:16 p.m. Oct. 16 at the corner of Figueroa and Chapala streets near City Lot 3. Eve Debra Johnson, 67, was killed in the crash and 75-year-old Gloria Bravo De Ayala suffered major leg injuries. Two people on the bus were also sent to the hospital after suffering moderate, police said.
Witnesses said the bus was traveling north on Chapala Street and made a right turn east on Figueroa Street. For reasons that are still under investigation, the bus continued turning, drove onto the sidewalk and struck Ms. Johnson and Ms. Ayala.
Ms. Mijangos was detained for questioning, however it was unclear if she was facing any charges in connection with the crash, according to Anthony Wagner, police spokesman.
“Investigation remains on-going,” Mr. Wagner said in an email.
Ms. Mijangos is still employed by MTD and officials were unable to comment on her employment status, said Hillary Blackerby, interim planning and marketing manager for the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District.
The California Highway Patrol assisted police into the investigation of the crash.
