Woman struck by vehicle on busy Kitchener street, third pedestrian crash this month

Four pedestrians have been hit by vehicles on or near Fairway Road South in Kitchener this month.

The latest crash happened Wednesday around 5 p.m. near the Manitou Drive intersection.

A 65-year-old woman was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and then flown by Ornge to another hospital outside the region.

Waterloo regional police said she has serious, life-threatening injuries.

Fairway was closed for several hours on Wednesday night while police were on scene.

“The investigation in the field is complete,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Griffiths of Waterloo Regional Police’s Traffic Services Unit. “We’re continuing to follow up with all parties involved.”

Waterloo regional police at the scene of a crash involving a pedestrian on Dec. 21, 2023.

There is no word yet on any possible charges.

Witnesses to the crash or anyone with dashcam video is asked to contact police.

PEDESTRIANS HURT

Wednesday’s crash was the latest in a string of collisions on the region’s roads.

“It’s actually the sixth pedestrian-involved crash in the region in the last 60 days or so that involves serious injury,” said Griffiths. “We’re seeing a lot heavier traffic in and around the cities and the region in general, as well as other road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”

At least three of those crashes were on or near Fairway Road.

A female pedestrian was struck near the Manitou Drive intersection on Dec. 6. Police said she was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle on Manitou Drive near Fairway Road on Dec. 6, 2023. (Dave Pettitt/CTV Kitchener)

On Dec. 3, a 36-year-old Cambridge man and his young child were crossing Fairway Road South at Wilson Avenue when they were hit by an SUV. Both father and child had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

MORE COLLISIONS

Fowler Tire and Auto, right at the Manitou Drive intersection, said a vehicle smashed through the shop’s front door and drove into their showroom a few months ago.

Owner Chris Tsegas said customers were inside the store at the time, but luckily, no one was seriously hurt.

A large plywood sheet still covers the massive hole at the storefront.

Fowler Tire and Auto at Fairway Road and Manitou Drive after a car smashed through their storefront. (Tyler Kelaher/CTV Kitchener)

Tsegas also told CTV News that he and his staff saw the collision Wednesday evening, as well as the one on Dec. 6.

He’s urging drivers to pay more attention to the road when they’re behind the wheel.

“I just think there’s a lot of distractions,” Tsegas said. “Not per se cellphones in use or anything like that, but just people’s heads are constantly thinking ‘Christmas is coming up.’ Everybody’s running around and I just think everybody’s a little distracted these days.”

ADVICE FROM POLICE

Police are reiterating Tsegas’ message.

“We’re seeing a lot more pedestrian traffic, we’re seeing a lot more vehicular traffic,” said Griffiths. “It’s a matter of needing to share the roadway with all parties involved.”

Officers, he added, are out patrolling the roads but they also need everyone to pay more attention.

Griffiths shared this advice for drivers.

“Please look ahead, to be conscience of what’s going on on the sidewalks beside [you], to make sure [you’re] being vigilant with pedestrians crossing.”

As for pedestrians, he said it’s all about staying safe.

“Please use marked crosswalks, intersections or heavily lit areas where they can be seen.”