A tragic incident unfolded in midtown Toronto on Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of a woman who was struck by two vehicles. The woman, initially reported as around 80 years old by Toronto Police Service (TPS) Deputy Inspector Scott Bradbury, was later confirmed to be a 70-year-old pedestrian. The fatal collision occurred as she crossed Eglinton Avenue E. near Dunfield Avenue after shopping for groceries.
The woman was struck by two vehicles traveling in opposite directions on Eglinton Avenue E. just before 7:20 a.m. Both vehicles fled the scene following the incident. Despite efforts by paramedics, the woman succumbed to her injuries.
In a significant development, a 48-year-old man from Toronto turned himself in on Wednesday morning in connection with the tragic event. He has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The man was identified as the driver of the white Hyundai Venue involved in the collision, according to CBC Toronto.
Authorities are actively searching for a second unidentified suspect who was driving the second vehicle involved in the incident. Eglinton Avenue E. was temporarily closed between Yonge Street and Lillian Street but has since reopened to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Residents and local officials, including Coun. Josh Matlow, have expressed shock and concern over the incident. Matlow highlighted the community’s longstanding calls for enhanced road safety measures in the area, emphasizing the need for evidence-based decisions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Witnesses like Romahlio Williams and Diego Maytorena expressed disbelief at the hit-and-run incident, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility and contacting authorities in such situations. Deputy Inspector Bradbury urged anyone involved in the collision to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.
The community mourns the loss of the woman in this New Year’s Eve tragedy, emphasizing the need for accountability and road safety awareness among all road users.