A woman attempting to cross busy Cleveland Street in Redfern has been hit and killed by a bus.
Several witnesses said the woman dropped something on the road and ran back to pick it up before she was struck about 11.40am.
She is yet to be formally identified.
“She dropped something and she ran back, and the bus hit her,” witness Chris Thomson said.
Another witness Jenny Reeves said it was “extremely traumatic” for passers-by.
“She was just doing something so simple, crossing the road, and forgetting something or dropping something, it’s just… how quickly accidents happen,” she said.
Sergeant Gail Muscat said CPR was performed on the woman but she was unable to be revived.
“Unfortunately it was tragic circumstances today where the lady did not survive,” Sgt Muscat said.
The bus driver was taken to hospital suffering shock.
All lanes of Cleveland Street have since been reopened.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.