A woman died Wednesday morning after being struck by a vehicle in a suspected hit-and-run incident in southwest Oklahoma City, police confirmed. The incident quickly escalated into a double hit-and-run as a second vehicle also struck the pedestrian after the initial collision. The Oklahoma City Police Department is investigating and seeking information about both vehicles involved in this double hit-and-run.
The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. Near the intersection of SW 59th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Responding officers found the victim, whose name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin, suffering from critical injuries. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding the pedestrian’s presence in the roadway at that time are currently under investigation.
According to police, the first vehicle involved – described as a dark-colored pickup truck – did not remain at the scene. Shortly after, while officers were investigating the initial collision, a second vehicle, a silver sedan, also struck the victim before leaving the area. Detectives are now working to identify both vehicles and their drivers. The investigation is focused on gathering evidence from the scene, including potential security camera footage from nearby businesses and interviewing potential witnesses.
Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation
The initial call came in as a pedestrian struck, but quickly evolved as officers arrived to discover evidence of a second collision. “It was apparent very quickly that this wasn’t just a single vehicle involved,” said Sergeant Dillon Qualls of the Oklahoma City Police Department during a brief press conference at the scene. “We have two separate vehicles that fled the location after striking the pedestrian.”
Police have not released details about the speed of either vehicle or whether impairment is suspected. The area around SW 59th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue was closed for several hours Wednesday morning as investigators processed the scene. Traffic was diverted, causing delays for commuters. The road has since been reopened.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the vehicles involved to contact the Oklahoma City Police Department’s tip line at 405-297-TIPS (8477). Even seemingly minor details could be crucial to the investigation.
Impact on the Community and Concerns About Pedestrian Safety
This incident has raised concerns among residents about pedestrian safety in the area. SW 59th Street is a busy thoroughfare, and the intersection with Pennsylvania Avenue is known for high traffic volume, particularly during rush hour. Local community leaders have previously advocated for improved pedestrian infrastructure, including better lighting and crosswalks, but those efforts have faced funding challenges.
The death of the pedestrian is the latest in a series of traffic-related fatalities in Oklahoma City this year. According to data from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, there have been 108 traffic fatalities in Oklahoma as of December 6, 2023, a slight increase compared to the same period last year. The department is currently running a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing traffic accidents and promoting safe driving habits.
What We Understand About the Vehicles Involved
Police are currently seeking a dark-colored pickup truck and a silver sedan. While specific makes and models have not been released, investigators believe the pickup truck may have front-end damage as a result of the initial collision. The silver sedan is also believed to have sustained damage.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences in an attempt to identify the vehicles and their drivers. They are also checking local auto body shops for any recent repairs that may be consistent with damage from a hit-and-run incident.
Anyone with information regarding the vehicles involved is urged to contact the Oklahoma City Police Department. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
The Oklahoma City Police Department has scheduled a press briefing for Thursday morning to provide an update on the investigation. They are expected to release more details about the victim and the ongoing search for the drivers involved. Updates will also be posted on the department’s social media channels.
If you are struggling with grief or emotional distress following this incident, resources are available. You can contact the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at 1-800-522-9054 or visit their website at https://oklahoma.gov/okdmhsas.html.
The investigation into this tragic double hit-and-run remains active and ongoing. Police anticipate releasing further information as it becomes available. The next scheduled update from the Oklahoma City Police Department is expected Thursday morning.
We encourage readers to share this article and any information they may have with authorities. Your contribution, no matter how minor, could assist bring justice to the victim and her family.
