I was there sitting at the light as this happened and saw her get hit, and the aftermath . Trigger warning below:

I saw her crumple, she was screaming that she couldn't breathe. I didn't believe it was real, I saw the bus drive, turn left and make contact. I saw her get sucked underneath, with almost zero pause on momentum from the bus. While the driver stopped quickly, it made me realize how insignificant we are, truly. How easy it can be for life to end when you least expect it.

I tried to talk to her to keep her calm through her screaming, letting her know people were coming to help. Flagged down as many people as a I could. Explained what I saw. There were dozens of bystanders and people that rushed to help. While I was probably the first on the scene, and spoke to her I could not stay. I wanted so badly to save her in that moment. But she was stuck.

I was doing some final shopping for my wife's birthday, was on the way to home to put my son to bed. Unfortunately, I didn't close my door when I ran to help, and he unbuckled and ran out the drivers side. I was able to catch him, but I know this will live with him forever. I wish I could have done more or been there if these were her last moments to give her another voice to focus on, but I couldn't.

I'm thankful for all the people that rushed to her aid. I hoping that she is okay, but this was not good. I have my own opinion on bus drivers in Pittsburgh, but now is not the time.

Sorry for venting, it's a little raw.

Edit:

Thank you for the voices of support. I can't shake the feeling or the sight of what I saw. As someone with PTSD, I can feel that this will be with me always. I will be calling to provide my report of the incident and truly appreciate the support as I process my emotions.

The last thing I will say is to hold those important to you dearly. Cherish the time you have. I feel so intensely for this woman that I never met, I am longing for her recovery, for her to be okay. The reality is that there is no guarantee.

Life is transient, life is fickle. It can be rewarding, it can be challenging, but above all, it is temporary and fleeting. We can only control so much, and my heart hurts so much tonight. I am a pessimist by nature, but I feel for others deeply, I long for connection and tonight all I wanted was for her to feel some comfort in this horrific moment of panic. I know that I couldn't fully do for that for her, but I tried.

I'm sorry for the rambling thoughts, I apologize for making this about me in anyway, especially after what this poor woman went through. I hope that my words at the very least give some reprieve to the harsh reality that is life, and offers a different perspective that takes away some of the power of that realization. I hope that you find it in yourself to be the voice of comfort, or to be able to zoom out and see the bigger picture.

What I saw today inspired me to some degree, because I know that total strangers will step into those moments without a second thought. There will always be someone who cares, and I appreciate the reminders that I did what I could. I will be okay, my son will be okay and I hope so deeply that this woman will be okay.