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| CROSSWALK AT NORTH PARK & BANFIELD DRIVES. |
Two pedestrians were hit by vehicles within an hour of each other during separate, unrelated accidents this morning in North Natomas.
News of the accidents, which occurred less than a mile from each other in the Natomas Park development, spread quickly.
The first accident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. when, as previously reported by the Natomas Buzz, an 80-year-old woman walking her dog in the North Natomas Regional Park crossed North Park Drive. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was hit by a vehicle headed eastbound within the crosswalk. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
“This incident serves as a reminder that we all need to be more careful, all of us – drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”
-Becky Heick, North Natomas Transportation Management Association
According to information released by Sac PD Capt. Jim Maccoun, there is no indication of alcohol or other impairment by the driver who remained at the scene. The busy intersection was closed for more than two hours while the police department’s Major Collision Investigations unit and CSI investigated the scene. The woman’s dog was located and returned to a family member.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the woman who was struck at the intersection of North Park Drive at Banfield this morning,” said Heieck. “It’s heart-breaking that a senseless tragedy such as this, occurred in the first place and even more so because it is most certainly avoidable with the right education and awareness.”
Less than an hour later, a juvenile riding his bike to school was struck by a vehicle near Club Center and Danbrook Drive. The boy received moderate injuries.
The driver in the second accident fled the scene and the incident is considered a felony hit and run by police who are asking for the public’s help identifying the driver. The vehicle involved is described as a gray Nissan Pathfinder with a bumper hanging loose.
Said Maccoun, “Please call us if you spot a similar vehicle and attempt to note the license number.”
Those with information regarding some these incidents can call Sac PD’s non-emergency line at (916) 264—5471 or Crime Alert at 443-HELP.
“Even though I am grateful that the young boy who was hit by a car while riding his bicycle to school will be OK, I am angered at the cowardice of the hit-and-run driver,” said District One Councilman Ray Tretheway. “Our community thrives to be walking and bicycle friendly, and these two tragedies are a poignant reminder for drivers to be cognizant of bikers and pedestrians.”
So sad!!! What happened to the dog??