The accident took place just before 11:47 a.m. January 12, at the parking lot of a grocery store located at 520 Cleveland Avenue
Thurston County, WA – A woman was killed in an auto-pedestrian collision at a business parking lot in Tumwater on Monday morning, according to the Tumwater Police Department.
The accident took place just before 11:47 a.m. January 12, at the parking lot of a grocery store located at 520 Cleveland Avenue.
According to police, a 51-year-old man was driving through the parking lot when he struck an elderly woman. The driver reported that he didn’t see the pedestrian and accidentally hit her.
The Tumwater Police Department, Washington State Patrol and firefighters responded to the incident. The victim was declared deceased at the scene of the collision.
The Thurston County Coroner’s Office reported that the victim was 86-year-old. Her identity has not yet been released by the authorities.
The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigators. Police reported that impairement does not appear to have factored in the incident.
There were no arrests or citations in connection with the accident. Investigations into the deadly incident are ongoing.
Thurston County has recorded relatively high number of fatalities in traffic-related accidents in the recent past. The county averaged 24 fatalities annually between 2021 and 2023. The situation got worse as it reached its highest point in 2023, when 33 lives were lost due to traffic collisions. Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) shows that a large share of these fatal crashes occurred on state highways, with Interstate 5 ranking among the most dangerous roadways in the county.
These routes are particularly hazardous due to a combination of sharp curves and heavy traffic flow, including frequent semi-truck activity. Such conditions often lead to risky passing maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of vehicles veering into oncoming lanes. In addition to roadway design and traffic volume, contributing factors commonly include impaired driving, excessive speed, unsafe passing, and driver distraction. Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay alert, especially when traveling through high-risk areas like I-5, to reduce the chances of being involved in a devastating crash.
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If you were injured or lost your loved one in this car accident, you may have the right to seek compensation. It is advisable to seek legal guidance from a professional car accident lawyer. Visit our car accident lawyer page to learn more about the legal options you have.