Dos Palos woman's family demands answers after she was hit and killed by a tour bus

DOS PALOS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Family members are demanding answers following the death of a Dos Palos woman. 40-year-old Cindy Alias was hit and killed by a tour bus as she crossed a busy intersection on Tuesday afternoon.

Candles now sit on every corner at the Elgin and Blossom intersection. Family members say Alias was on her way to the store when she was hit and police say she had the right of way.

Loved ones try to comfort each other, try to manage their grief, anger and pain as the news of Alias' passing continues to spread.

"She's great, a loving person, loves her daughters. She's a wonderful person, always wanted to help, outgoing, she's great," said Cindy's niece Elizabeth Astorga.

Astorga says her aunt was simply going to the store, picking up food for dinner like most anyone would do.

Police tell Action News she was in the crosswalk and was lawfully crossing the street when she was struck by the tour bus.

The Fresno based Best Tours and Travel told us they had no comment about the accident.

Albert Alias, the victim's nephew said, "That's not a dog that you hit, that's a human being, she has a family, she has people who love her, she's missed she has babies."

The 40-year-old had recently moved back to Dos Palos and was living with her boyfriend. Her family says she lived for her 6 and 7-year-old daughters, they meant everything to her. Now they say they'll be pushing for change, trying to make that intersection a safer place.

Albert Alias said, "That intersection is bad, that's a major highway, that's a 4 way stop it needs a light or something that's a major highway."

As for the bus driver, police say he's cooperating. He's not been arrested, but the case will be sent to the District Attorney's office.

Family members say they plan to hold a vigil at the site, and they'll be lighting a candle at the intersection for the next 40 nights, to mark her age. If you'd like to help the family an account has been set up in Cindy's name at West America Bank.