From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Two of the three pedestrians struck in a traffic accident on Frazier Avenue yesterday have died. As a result, one driv
From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Two of the three pedestrians struck in a traffic accident on Frazier Avenue yesterday have died. As a result, one driver has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide.
Chattanooga Police have confirmed a woman and child died, and one man is in critical condition.
Investigators say a Dodge Caravan crashed into a Nissan, then veered off the roadway to hit the pedestrians on the sidewalk and crashed into the Walnut Bridge Gift Shop building.
Police say the driver, 44-year-old Randy Vega was from Florida and faces 7 charges including aggravated vehicular assault and driving under the influence. He was taken to the Hamilton County Jail.
The community is still reacting to the fatal scene. Many witnesses on the scene say they are heartbroken by this tragedy.
Zachary Centola was shopping at a business next door when he heard the collision. Centola says before it happened, traffic in the area was calm and serene. He says in a matter of seconds, it turned into chaos.
He says the community quickly jumped into action to offer aid and support to those hurt. He brought flowers in memory of the two killed.
“It’s like we need to be more careful of what we’re doing when we’re driving,” Centola says. They say the driver was inebriated, and it’s a shame it cost somebody their life. I wish more responsible people would keep things from happening like that.”
The traffic unit at the Chattanooga Police Department is still learning what led up to this incident. So far, they’ve learned the building where it happened sustained major damage.
This afternoon, contractors were building a wall to close off the entrance near the roadway.
Chattanooga Police is encouraging anyone with information about what happened to call 423-698-2525.
PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga Police responded to a traffic call on Frazier Avenue Saturday afternoon for a collision between two vehicles, that left multiple pedestrians injured.
It happened around 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon in front of the Walnut Bridge Gift shop.
Victor Miller with Chattanooga Police said two cars collided, and the other drove onto the sidewalk, hitting three people.
Jaywalking has been noted as one of the leading causes of pedestrian struck accidents by police. However, Miller clarified this wasn’t the case.
“It was daylight. They were not crossing the street as far as we know right now. It looks like they were on the sidewalk,” said Victor Miller with the Chattanooga Police Department.
The driver suffered minor injuries, while the victims were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
“It was traumatic,” said Donna Christian Lowe, an eyewitness. “Like, I was just crying.”
“Honestly, I just saw a lady on the ground, and the building looked like it was on top of her, ” she said. “Next thing we saw was the ambulance or firefighter carrying a small child away.”
The accident closed roads for nearly four hours.
Investigators scanned and took photos of the scene and are assessing damages to the store.
Miller says at this time no charges have been issued.
“We’re still working through the ages and the contact information for all those people. It’s still early in the investigation, so those are some of the things we’re working to figure out,” he said.
Lowe says all of this was hard to witness but says her heart is with those involved.
“All I could do is just cry and pray for the lady and then see the fireman and policeman,” she said. “They all just went into action, and if it was my family, I hope they would do the same for me.”
Continue to follow Local 3 News for more updates.
PREVIOUS STORY: The Chattanooga Police Department confirmed that they are on the scene of Frazier Avenue for a crash that involves pedestrians.
We are working to learn more from police on what led up to the event, and if anyone has been injured by the crash.
