A Port Authority bus in North Oakland struck and killed a University of Pittsburgh student on Saturday, Jan. 19.

Barbara Como, a 20 year old senior anthropology major, was hit at the intersection of De Soto Street and Fifth Avenue around 12:15 p.m. Como was transported to UPMC Presybyterian Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

“As the Pitt community mourns the loss of one of our students, we send our heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends,” University of Pittsburgh officials said.

Since the crash, a statement was released from the Port Authority saying that the operator of the bus at the time of the crash has been placed on a temporary suspension from driving while the incident is under investigation.

“Everyone at Port Authority is deeply saddened by the tragic event that claimed the life of Barbara Como on Saturday afternoon,” Port Authority officials said. “Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to her family and friends. The operator involved in this incident will not be driving until the completion of the ongoing investigations by both Pittsburgh police and Port Authority.”

It is still unknown at this time whether Como used the crosswalk or not.

Point Park University Police Chief Jeffery Besong encourages students to be aware of their surroundings during their commutes, or navigating their way through campus to attend classes.

“I worked in Oakland as Chief of Police at Carlow University, and I know how dangerous the bus lanes can be for pedestrians,” Besong said. “ I am concerned about the bus lane that runs right through our campus at Point Park, and would caution all students, faculty and staff to adhere to the crossing signs, do not try to ‘beat the light’ and always look both ways before crossing.”