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Pedestrian Struck and Killed Near Dunn Loring Metro

Fairfax County police still working to identify the victim in Wednesday night incident.

Fairfax County police are investigating an accident that left a woman dead Wednesday night near the Dunn Loring Metro.

Around 9:50 p.m. Wednesday, a pedestrian was crossing Gallows Road when she was struck by a vehicle.

It's not clear where exactly on Gallows Road the woman was struck.

Department spokesman Officer Eddy Azcarate said Thursday it appeared to be a bit south of the intersection of Gallows Road and Prosperity Avenue, the intersection for the Dunn Loring Metro Station parking lot. 

The driver of the vehicle called police and waited at the scene until officers responded.

The female victim later died at a local hospital.

Police are still working to identify the victim, Azcarate said. 

Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the accident.

Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.

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Jean Ross March 8, 2013 at 04:25 am
The nightmare that is the Dunn Loring metro stop with all the construction was sure to result in a tragedy sooner or later. The whole set-up is pedestrian-unfriendly, and scary for drivers. I am so sad -- but sadly unsurprised -- to hear about this.
Wilma March 8, 2013 at 04:43 pm
First of all, by condolences to the family who is going through this loss of a loved one. I am so sorry.
Yes - for those of us who ride the bus from Dunn Loring, have all watched the "near" misses - several times. It is crazy that those of us who ride the 2T.401,2C and the 403, have to cross Gallows Rd now, instead of being able to stay by the Metro entrance like we used to. That makes some of the bus riders do crazy things that endanger their lives. They see the bus coming and cross in the middle of the block - to run over to the bus stop, because they do not have time to go to the light and wait for the signal. It is really frightening to watch this happen over and over. Bus riders - are the last ones to be considered, when any plans are made. After all, most of them or poor, or don't speak English well, and cannot not complain. Unlike most of the people who ride the train from the Vienna area. And because the bus service in this area (And most of the U.S.) is so pathetically inadequate, if you miss the bus, you have a long wait for the next one. A half hour during rush hour, and an "hour" at all other times. An hour can be a long time when it is freezing outside and this causes people to make the terrible decision to cross the street at the wrong place and time. AND - it doesn't help that their are so many dumb people driving - much too fast through an area like that! Get those bus stops back on the Metro side of Gallows Rd!!!!! It's going to happen again.
Larry March 8, 2013 at 06:14 pm
I also feel for the people who have lost a loved one. I would like to know why Metro has not erected a barrier along the median that would make it impossible to cross at any point but the intersection. They have put up signs and had the aea patroled to try to cut out the pedestrians crossing at an incorrect area, but it still occurs. If they are truly concerned with the safety of the riders of Metro and their well being it would be a solution that would make cutting across at an innappropriate and dangerous area a moot point. I don't agree with the atack on drivers.. calling them dumb, etc. The report for this instance shows that speed is not a factor. Poor judgement by a pedestrian can make it impossible for a driver to react in time to avoid a tragedy. That does not make them dumb!!
Frank Azzuro March 9, 2013 at 02:08 am
regardless of the language you speak, there are many signs that instruct walkers not to cross Gallows in the middle of the street. People choose not to cross at the light to save some time.
Wilma March 9, 2013 at 12:55 pm
In regards to both comments posted above...
No - not "all" drivers are dumb and I did not say that - just those that speed, or turn right on red without looking to their right to see if someone is crossing the street (This is the most dangerous of all things for pedestrians), changing lanes without turning on their turn signals, following the car in front of them too closely, etc, etc..... all of the issues we have in congested areas like this. I have also witnessed many pedestrians doing "dumb" things. Crossing Gallows other than at the intersection where you are supposed to - is "dumb". I was just mentioning "all" of the problems there at the Metro Station, not necessarily what happened this time. No one knows why " this" accident happened. Gee - the poor woman could have fainted and fell out in front of an unsuspecting driver, who knows for sure? But - I have been waiting there many times, and a great number of the cars that go by, are traveling much too fast, and if a pedestrian is crossing illegally (I agree, they should not be doing this!!!) a terrible tragedy could occur. I am sure that killing or injuring a pedestrian is not something that would be easy to get over - whether it was your fault or not. Everyone needs to do the right thing. I think that putting a barrier up there - in the median would be a great idea. Sometimes you need to protect people from themselves and from others. That's why we have seat belt laws - right?

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