A Codiac Transpo bus struck and killed a 46-year-old female pedestrian in Moncton Friday.

Bus services in Moncton will stop between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. so that all Codiac Transpo drivers can receive counselling.

The accident occurred at the corner of Main and King streets about 1:15 p.m.

"There were two pedestrians crossing [Main] street. One was hit by the bus, the other was able to get out of the way," said RCMP Const. Damien Thériault.

The woman who died was trapped under the bus and rescuers had to use a crane to lift the bus. She was killed instantly and pronounced dead at the scene.

There is no word yet on the cause.

The other person was not injured, said Thériault.

The name of the victim has not been released, pending notification of her family. But she is from Dieppe, Thériault said.

Jordie Williston knew the victim and was one of the first to get off the bus to try to help.

"I went under the bus and checked, she wasn't breathing. I screamed her name, she didn't respond," Williston told CBC News. "Then the cops came and took me away and took my statement."

He said the passengers were taken to a nearby hotel where they were interviewed by the police.

They were also offered counselling.

Police had closed off Main Street, which reopened at about 3 p.m.

The City of Moncton and Codiac Transpo released a statement Friday on the collision.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim's family and loved ones," said Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc. "We are terribly saddened by this tragedy."

"We would like to express our appreciation to the professionalism and care shown by first responders — fire, police and ambulance," said John Allain, general manager of Codiac Transpo.