Man dies after being struck by Transperth bus near Perth Arena

A man has been fatally struck by a bus in front of dozens of horrified witnesses, just metres from a packed sporting event.

A man has been fatally struck by a bus outside a bustling sport arena in Perth, leaving a community in shock and sparking renewed calls for better pedestrian safety.

The 45-year-old man died after being hit by a Perth Transit Authority bus as he was crossing Wellington St near the intersection with Milligan St - directly outside Perth Arena - just after 6.15pm on Friday.

WA Police said the man was hit by a Transperth bus that had been turning right from Milligan St into Wellington St.

The man was treated by paramedics but could not be saved and died at the scene.

A pedestrian has died after being hit by a Perth Transit Authority bus outside Perth Arena. Image: 9News

Inspector Vic Hussey told 9News it was a confronting scene.

“So a pedestrian has crossed the road and regrettably, he’s come into contact with a Transperth bus that was travelling through this intersection,” Inspector Hussey said.

“It’s a very, very sad scene here at the moment.”

The 37-year-old male bus driver was physically unharmed but reportedly shaken.

Witnesses said he appeared distressed and unable to speak in the immediate aftermath of the collision, while others nearby were seen crying on the street.

“I hear the bus driver is OK, but I’m sure that’s going to play on their psyche for a long, long time,” one person told 9News.

The fatal incident occurred just after 6.15pm on June 20, as the man was crossing Wellington St near the intersection with Milligan St, directly outside Perth Arena. Image: 9News

The crash occurred as hundreds of people were arriving at the arena to watch a Super Netball clash between the West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds, and as city workers were leaving their offices for the day.

The busy intersection was closed while emergency crews attended the scene and Major Crash officers began their investigation.

Residents have since raised concerns about pedestrian safety at the intersection.

“It’s not nice, especially when it’s so close to home, and when it’s something that could have been avoided,” one resident said.

“I raised this with the police about two months ago because I almost got killed.”

WA Police confirmed the driver is assisting with the investigation and are appealing to the public for information.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Man dies after being struck by Transperth bus near Perth Arena