Pedestrian hit and killed by METRO bus in downtown Houston identified as city employee

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A city employee has been identified as the pedestrian who was fatally struck by a METRO bus in downtown Houston on Friday morning.

The incident occurred near Rusk and Smith just before 7:40 a.m. According to Lt. Tim McClelland of the METRO Police Department, the pedestrian was in the crosswalk and had the right of way when the traffic light turned green. As the bus turned onto Rusk, it hit and killed the victim.

The bus was operated by First Transit, and police reported that the contract driver is cooperating with the investigation. There were two passengers on the bus at the time of the accident, but no other injuries were reported.

The victim was identified as Damilola Matuluko, who had been a member of the city’s HR Operations Employee Relations team since 2023. COH HR Director Jane Cheeks issued a statement, saying, “Although Damilola had only been with the HR Department for a short time, she had become a beloved and impactful team member. She will be sincerely missed by her colleagues in the City of Houston.”

The district attorney’s office is investigating to determine if any charges will be filed. When asked if the rainy weather on Friday contributed to the crash, McClelland stated that it is still under investigation.