An adult pedestrian was killed early Friday after being struck on eastbound I-70 at Union Boulevard on St. Louis' north side, shutting down the interstate while crews worked the scene. Emergency responders pronounced the person dead at the scene, and investigators called in specialized crash investigators to process evidence. Morning commuters were left dealing with detours and heavy delays as lanes stayed closed.
Crash Details And Road Impact
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were dispatched to eastbound I-70 just east of Union after a report of a person struck. When they arrived, they found an adult male who was not conscious and not breathing, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the vehicle that hit the pedestrian, a black Kia Niro, remained at the scene, and the department's Accident Reconstruction Unit was called in to handle the investigation. SLMPD did not identify the victim in its initial report.
Lane Closures And MoDOT Response
As reported by KSDK, all eastbound lanes were closed while crews worked the crash, and the Missouri Department of Transportation told the outlet it expected the closure to last until about 6 a.m. KSDK also noted that at least four vehicles at the scene showed damage. The closures backed up morning traffic for drivers heading through north St. Louis.
Investigation Underway
SLMPD said a preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian was attempting to cross the eastbound lanes when the Kia struck him. It is not yet clear whether additional vehicles were involved. The department's Accident Reconstruction Unit remains on the case and the investigation is ongoing.
Police had not identified the victim in early reports, and authorities did not immediately announce any arrests or charges. Officials urged drivers to expect delays and to check traffic updates while lanes remain closed for the investigation.
