EUGENE, Ore. – A tragic crash on Wednesday morning resulted in the death of a pedestrian and left a driver hospitalized. The Eugene Police Department is currently investigating the incident, which occurred around 9:45 a.m. on April 23, near the “S curves” on Amazon Parkway.
According to police, a man was driving a Toyota Rav 4 when he lost control of the vehicle while navigating the sharp curves of the roadway. The car veered off the road, driving over a curb and onto the grassy area, where it struck a pedestrian who was walking on the bark path. After hitting the pedestrian, the vehicle crashed into a tree and continued to roll into the nearby Amazon slough.
The driver, who was trapped inside the vehicle after the crash, managed to escape by crawling through the back window. He was later transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The identity of the driver has not yet been released, and the extent of his injuries is not immediately known.
Sadly, the pedestrian, a woman in her late 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. The police have not yet disclosed her identity as they work to notify family members.
The Eugene Police Department’s Major Collision Investigation Team is leading the inquiry into the crash, and authorities have urged travelers to avoid the area due to significant delays. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes as the investigation continues.
At this time, it is unclear what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, but authorities are examining all possible factors, including road conditions, speed, and other contributing elements.
This fatal incident has once again raised concerns over pedestrian safety, particularly in areas where foot traffic intersects with busy roadways. Eugene police have reminded the public to stay alert and cautious when driving in areas with high pedestrian activity.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.