A late-night drive on Interstate 40 in southeast Oklahoma City turned deadly Sunday when a person was struck and killed near South Post Road, according to authorities. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and officials have not yet released a name. Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers responded to the crash and are now working to sort out exactly what happened in the moments before impact.
According to News 9, troopers told investigators that the vehicle was heading westbound on I-40 when it hit the person. The individual had reportedly been lying in the roadway, then stood up shortly before being struck. The patrol said the victim died at the scene, and no additional identifying details have been released as the investigation continues.
Pedestrian deaths remain elevated nationwide
Across the country, deaths like this are part of a troubling pattern. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that drivers struck and killed 7,148 people walking in the United States in 2024, a figure that remains well above pre-pandemic levels. GHSA notes that many of these fatalities happen after dark, and that hit-and-run crashes along with collisions involving larger SUVs and pickups have played a significant role in keeping the numbers high, complicating both investigations and prevention efforts.
What investigators are looking for…