A late Friday morning in Chicago's River North neighborhood turned deadly when a woman standing near a sidewalk was struck and killed by a vehicle, police said. The crash happened around 11:40 a.m. in the 700 block of North Dearborn Street. The victim was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Crash and response
According to WGN-TV, Chicago police said a Porsche sedan driven by a 62-year-old woman hit the pedestrian. The driver was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital and was cited at the scene. Emergency crews shut down the block as medics worked to save the victim. Investigators have not yet said whether speed, a mechanical problem or any other factor contributed to the crash.
Victim identified
The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the woman who died as 35-year-old Wanda Mejia, according to ABC7 Chicago. Officials did not immediately release more information about her as relatives were still being notified.
Investigation underway
The Chicago Police Department's Major Accidents Unit is leading the investigation into the collision. Detectives are reviewing available surveillance video and interviewing witnesses as they work to piece together what happened, according to WGN-TV. Authorities are asking anyone with information or relevant video to contact Area Central detectives.
Downtown pedestrian risk
River North has seen other serious incidents involving vehicles jumping curbs or striking people on foot, highlighting the risks pedestrians face in the downtown area. The Chicago Sun-Times previously reported on a crash where a car mounted a curb and killed a pedestrian in the same neighborhood. Neighbors, workers, and visitors are being urged to stay alert on busy blocks while police continue their work at the scene.
