Former City Councilwoman Hit By School Bus

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A former Minneapolis City Councilwoman is in critical condition after she was hit by a school bus while crossing a busy intersection.

Sandra Colvin-Roy was struck as she attempted to cross 28th Avenue in South Minneapolis near Lake Nokomis.

Cory Lindstrom says his afternoon reading time with his son was interrupted by an accident just feet away from where they sat.

"I thought I heard a car accident," he said. "It was pretty loud: a big slam and then a quick stop."

Lindstrom said it wasn't until he stood up that he realized what was going on.

"I looked and then I saw the lady lying in the middle of the road," Lindstrom said.

Lindstrom and several others ran to the aid of Colvin-Roy.

She was taken to HCMC, where she is in critical condition.

Colvin-Roy served on the Minneapolis City Council for 16 years.

Investigators believe the bus was on 49th Street and turned left onto 28th Avenue, right into Colvin-Roy's path.

The intersection does not have a marked crosswalk.

City Council President Barb Johnson was elected to council with Colvin-Roy in 1997.

"Everybody just feels just terrible about Sandy's accident," Johnson said.

Johnson said Colvin-Roy was most proud of her role as chair of the transportation and public works committee.

"She cares about the city's infrastructure," Johnson said. "She cares that things work right for people and I just think it's really ironic that something happened to her when she is a pedestrian crossing the street."

Johnson said the accident is a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.

"You know you step out into the street and your life can change in an instant," Johnson said.

Johnson said Colvin-Roy is improving.

She is responding to stimuli and moving her fingers but remains in critical condition.

Johnson said Colvin-Roy has been enjoying retirement and that her husband was also set to retire in a couple months. They had plans to travel.