A pedestrian was struck and killed by a truck in Coraopolis, Allegheny County, yesterday afternoon, marking a tragic repeat of recent incidents in the area. The crash occurred near the intersection of 5th Avenue and Main Street, with police responding to the scene around 3:25 p.m., as detailed by WTAE. A 911 dispatcher confirmed that units were dispatched to the location following reports of a crash involving a pedestrian.
The victim, an older man, was hit while crossing the street from a gas station in the direction of the Copeland Funeral Home, the borough manager confirmed to Channel 11. Police Chief Jason Stewart explained that surveillance footage showed the tractor-trailer stopped at a red light, which then turned green, leading the driver to pull into the intersection and strike the man. Despite the man's death, Chief Stewart noted that it appears speed was not a factor in the crash. Neighbors, however, have raised concerns about traffic safety in the area, with one local, Patty, telling WPXI, "These people just speed around here like it's Interstate 79 and it isn't."
This incident is the second fatal pedestrian crash to occur in Coraopolis this month, following the death of 61-year-old Ulysses "Monty" Montalvo in a hit-and-run just one block away. In the wake of these tragedies, Coraopolis Mayor Michael Dixon took to Facebook to express his condolences and to address the safety issues. "Our community is grieving. Recently, two of our neighbors here in Coraopolis were involved in traffic tragedies that should give all of us pause," Mayor Dixon posted, as obtained by WPXI.
The identity of the latest victim has not been released, and there has been no indication as to whether the truck driver will face any charges. The crash is currently under investigation by the South Hills Area Council of Governments accident reconstruction team.
