Fatal pedestrian crash on I-25 in Pueblo was a hit-and-run; Victim identified
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) has released new details on the fatal crash that killed one pedestrian late Tuesday night.
Police say they were called out to the crash, which was on I-25 southbound past Exit 102, just before midnight on Tuesday. The investigation shut down the highway for many hours, overnight, and into the next morning's commute.
On Thursday, the Pueblo Police Department confirmed to KRDO13 that they are searching for a suspect who allegedly hit two pedestrians on I-25 and fled. According to police, the pedestrians were struck after they got in a single-vehicle crash and got outside the car.
Police say the victims were in a Honda on I-25 when it hit a barrier; the Honda was the only car involved, police say. The Honda was stopped in the left lane when the two occupants got out, presumably to assess the damage.
While outside the car, both people were hit by an oncoming vehicle, police say. The woman died, but the other person she was with survived and is cooperating with law enforcement, police say.
Law enforcement says it is important to stay inside your vehicle in the case of a crash to protect yourself.
"By exiting your vehicle after a crash, you are putting yourself out where the other vehicles are still in their commute. So by staying in your vehicle, it does give you that little bit of a safety net," explained Trooper Gabriel Moltrer.
Trooper Moltrer tells KRDO13 that if drivers can pull off on a shoulder or get to an exit that's ideal, but either way, he says calling 911 is paramount. Ultimately, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) says all drivers need to be cautious when they see a car pulled over. Trooper Moltrer says this could be a pedestrian vehicle with its flashers on, law enforcement, etc. For those, he says, drivers need to slow down and move over.
"It does prevent crashes, and it does save lives," shared Trooper Moltrer.
CSP urges drivers to slow down at least 20 miles per hour for those vehicles.
The Pueblo County Coroner's Office has identified the deceased woman as 31-year-old Flor Granillo.
The police department says the vehicle that hit them did not stop, and police are searching for the suspect.
At this time, PPD does not have a description of the suspect vehicle to release.
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