Woman, 75, Killed By School Bus Driver Allegedly Under The Influence

VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — Officials say a school bus driver -- allegedly under the influence of drugs -- struck and killed a 75-year-old pedestrian in the city of Ventura Wednesday.

Eleven children were reportedly on the bus, driven by 54-year-old Joanne Madaule, when the accident occured just before 3 p.m., said officials.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Woodland Street and Brookshire Avenue.

"The school bus was heading northbound on Berkshire, stopped, and apparently made a left turn onto Woodland and struck an elderly pedestrian in the crosswalk," Sgt. Joseph Davy of the California Highway Patrol said.

Margarita McIntosh suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Ventura County Medical Center where she later died.

CHP investigators said Madaule was under the influence of unspecified drugs at the time of the accident.

She was arrested and booked for felony DUI and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Maduale, of Ventura, was released on bond from the Ventura County Jail early Thursday morning. She is due in court on Oct. 3.

Officials did say Madaule was not speeding at the time of the accident.

The crash is under investigation.