A pedestrian was fatally hit by a Miami trolley in Little Havana, prompting a shutdown of a portion of Calle Ocho on Monday, officials said. According to Local 10 News, the accident occurred near the BankUnited branch at 3650 SW Eighth St., just west of La Carreta restaurant.
The Miami Police Department has not disclosed the identity of the man killed nor have they commented on who may be at fault. Southwest Eighth Street was closed between Southwest 36th Avenue and Douglas Road as police conducted their investigation, advised motorists to seek alternative routes. The body was found on the sidewalk, draped in a white cloth, next to the stationary trolley, as shown in footage from NBC Miami's Chopper 6.
Disruption continued into the afternoon, with a post from X of Miami Police Department advising the public to avoid the area due to the accident. The road closure affected the segment of SW 8 Street between 36 and 37 Avenues, compounding traffic challenges in the neighborhood.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Due to an accident involving a pedestrian we have closed SW 8 Street between 36 and 37 Avenues. Please avoid this area. MV pic.twitter.com/d0O3a9GfcZ
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) May 13, 2024
The incident has once again drawn attention to pedestrian safety in the bustling urban quarters of Miami, a topic that has been an ongoing concern for city residents and officials alike. But as of now, further details on what led to the tragedy remain sparse. Both the Miami Police and the operator of the trolley have yet to make an official statement regarding the specifics of the event or the measures that will be undertaken following the fatal collision.
