(Updated at 3:40 p.m.) A local high school student has died after a driver crashed into her in a crosswalk on Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads, Fairfax County police say.
Officers are currently at the scene of the crash at the intersection with Tyler Street and Barcroft View Terrace. Southbound Columbia Pike has been shut down at Lacy Blvd, and the northbound side of the street is down to one lane of traffic.
The teen was crossing Columbia Pike from the Barcroft View Apartments around 8:57 a.m. when a vehicle driving southbound struck her, Fairfax County Police Department Second Lt. Dan Spital told media.
“[It’s] a heartbreaking case that is honestly difficult to talk about,” Spital said.
According to police, the impact of the crash threw the teen “some distance from the crosswalk,” and she landed near a truck parked about 20 to 30 feet away. Witnesses attempted to provide life-saving measures before Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responders arrived, Spital said.
However, she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The driver remained at the scene, according to the FCPD, which advises drivers to use another route as the investigation continues.
When a reporter at the media briefing noted that this is the second fatal crash she has covered at that exact crosswalk, Spital called it a “dangerous intersection” with a 35 mph speed limit for traffic on Columbia Pike.
The crosswalk from Barcroft View Terrace requires pedestrians to cross four lanes of traffic, plus one turn lane, with no light. There is a thin concrete median with a diamond pedestrian crossing sign.
“We are asking for motorists to please maintain that speed limit or even a little bit slower,” he said. “But please be vigilant, please look around, especially when going through crosswalks. Pedestrians do have a right of way in that crosswalk. We are still looking at this intersection. We will have traffic enforcement out here to try to eliminate crashes and potential fatalities at this location.”
The FCPD didn’t identify the student’s school, as efforts to coordinate with Fairfax County Public Schools to inform and provide support for the victim’s family and friends are still underway.
“Any loss of a staff member, student, or their loved one, deeply impacts our entire FCPS family,” an FCPS spokesperson said in a statement to FFXnow. “We will always offer counseling and support to our community during these difficult times. Above all else, we respect the privacy of those who are grieving.”
Officers are on scene of a crash involving a pedestrian at Columbia Pike & Tyler Street. Preliminarily, a pedestrian was taken to the hospital w/injuries considered life-threatening. Driver remained on scene. Please use another route as detectives respond to investigate. pic.twitter.com/TmGXVlv4T1
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) November 16, 2022
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