Kilsyth woman hit and killed by bus at Croydon railway station pedestrian crossing

COMMUTERS are in shock and locals are demanding safety upgrades to a busy road crossing after a 61-year-old woman was hit by a bus and killed outside Croydon railway station this morning.

Police and emergency services at Croydon railway station this morning, where a 61-year-old woman was hit by a bus and later died from her injuries. Picture: NATHAN HILL

COMMUTERS are in shock and locals are demanding safety upgrades to a busy road crossing after a 61-year-old woman was hit by a bus and killed at Croydon railway station this morning.

The woman’s death was only 24 hours after a neighbour contacted Maroondah Council about safety risks in the station precinct.

Maroondah highway patrol Acting Inspector Steve Rosewarne said police believe the woman was on her way to work, and hit by the bus while walking on the pedestrian crossing about 6:10am.

The woman, who suffered “extensive” injuries, was rushed by paramedics to the Royal Melbourne Hospital but died a short time later.

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No one else was injured and the male bus driver is assisting police with their inquiries.

Acting Insp Rosewarne said the “tragic” incident was a reminder for all commuters and motorists to be wary of their surroundings at railway stations.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a pedestrian crossing or you’re crossing with a green light, never accept that nothing is going to happen, and always be vigilant,” he said.

Officers are investigating after woman was hit and killed by a bus at Croydon station. Picture: Kiel Egging

Acting Insp Rosewarne said police would make recommendations for safety improvements at the station following their investigations.

“Because this has happened, it gives us an opportunity to assess all of the area and make recommendations to Metro, the (Maroondah) council, VicRoads, whoever the relevant stakeholders are,” he said.

“We have to identify whatever safety issues might be, and any safety issue we do identify, they will be reported for rectification.”

Regular commuters expressed their shock about this morning’s incident.

Croydon’s Johnno Sears, 34, said it was his first time in 21 years of catching the train that he’d seen a fatality.

Lilydale’s Mick Rhysnburger said the pedestrian crossings were clearly marked and he had never had any concerns.

“On Main St, the pedestrian crossings are dangerous, but here I’ve never seen a problem, and I’ve been coming here for years,” Mr Rysnburger said.

The crossing where the 61-year-old Kilsyth woman was hit and killed. Picture: Kiel Egging

But Croydon’s Nathan Hill, who lives 100m from the station, said he had contacted the council with safety concerns about the precinct less than 24 hours earlier.

He called for a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare between the station and Main St, footpath and lighting upgrades, and line markings on Pierson Drive.

“More needs to be done, when I spoke to them (the council) yesterday, it was more around saying, this is becoming more and more of an issue with more commuters using this precinct.”

“And now this has happened, and it's a tragedy for everyone that’s involved.”

Any witnesses are urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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