A male pedestrian was struck and killed on Interstate 78 in northern Berks County late Friday, according to state police. The crash happened in Tilden Township near mile marker 27.3 at about 10:20 p.m. on April 17. Troopers pronounced the man dead at the scene and have not released his identity.
The Pennsylvania State Police's initial public information release identified the driver as Tina L. Parker, 62, of Raleigh, North Carolina, and said a passenger, Cheryl R. Peede, 64, of Elon, North Carolina, was also uninjured, as reported by Daily Voice. Authorities provided no further details about what led to the crash in the release.
State Police Tight-Lipped On How Crash Happened
"No additional details about how the crash occurred were provided in the report," the public information release says, as reported by Daily Voice. Troopers have not released the pedestrian's identity and the investigation is ongoing.
Local Numbers Put Deadly Crash In Stark Context
Pedestrian crashes have been a persistent problem in the county. Statistics compiled by the Reading Eagle show that Berks County saw 42 people die in 39 fatal crashes in 2023. Nationally, pedestrian deaths have also remained high in recent years. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimated more than 7,300 pedestrian fatalities in 2023, a trend safety advocates say underscores the need for better lighting, speed management and safer crossings.
Witnesses Urged To Come Forward
Pennsylvania State Police are handling the probe and may release more information as it becomes available. Anyone who saw the crash or who has dash-cam footage is asked to contact state police. Local outlets will likely publish updates as investigators release more details.
