RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A tragic incident near downtown Riverside claimed the life of 28-year-old Chibeza Nyirenda Jr., a local resident who was struck and killed by a bus on Wednesday afternoon. The heartbreaking collision occurred around 4 p.m. at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 12th Street, according to the Riverside Police Department.

Police say the accident involved a Riverside Transit Authority (RTA) bus that had stopped briefly to pick up or drop off passengers along its southbound route. As the bus began to move forward again, Nyirenda reportedly stepped in front of it, leading to the fatal impact.

Sgt. Tim Jensen of the Riverside Police Department said the bus driver immediately stopped and called 911 after realizing what had happened. Emergency personnel from the Riverside Fire Department arrived within minutes and found Nyirenda unconscious with severe injuries. Despite their rapid response, he succumbed to his injuries at Riverside Community Hospital less than an hour later.

The intersection, a busy corridor just south of the downtown area, was temporarily closed as authorities worked to document the scene and interview witnesses. Investigators are examining surveillance footage, bus data, and driver statements to better understand the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.

The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) has taken over the case and is continuing its review of all evidence to determine whether any contributing factors—such as visibility, speed, or pedestrian error—played a role. Police emphasized that the bus driver is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact MAIT detectives at (951) 826-8722. As the community mourns the sudden loss of Chibeza Nyirenda Jr., officials remind both drivers and pedestrians to remain alert and cautious, especially in high-traffic areas where a moment’s distraction can lead to devastating consequences.