Elderly man struck and killed by bus in New Britain

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A pedestrian was struck and killed by a bus in New Britain Wednesday morning.

Shirley Black has worked the intersection of North and Clark Streets for a decade, rarely is there a dull moment.

"It's a hazard, it's a hazard, it's lucky we haven't had worse accidents here," Black said.

The latest incident, however is tragic. 81-year-old Charles Mercurio was struck by a DATTCO school bus early Wednesday morning.

"Oh my goodness! Probably one of the people who live here?  Oh jeeze, that's sad," Maria Rosa of New Britain said.

Mercurio was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Hours later, it is painfully clear where Mercurio ended up.

"The blood on the floor, and all that," Jose Luis of New Britain said. 

"No body was here at that point," News 8's Jamie Muro asked.

"No, there was no body there," Luis said.

Three students on board the bus were not hurt and police are reviewing security footage in this ongoing investigation.

Ms. Black the crossing guard, tells News 8 that many people who live in this senior facility every morning cross that busy intersection and then they decide to come here, so they can attend morning mass.

Shirley, who also happens to be an alderwoman, knows the dangers of North Street all too well. There is a four-way light here, pedestrian signals but still, someone was killed.

"We got the light, you know, so I don't know what else can be done up here," Black said.