Police identified the victims as 75-year-old Luis Martinez Araujo and 78-year-old Maria Juarez Mendez. Authorities said the pair were walking at about 4:40 a.m. when they were hit.
Emergency radio traffic from the scene indicated the severity of the incident.
"A Vehicle vs pedestrian per PD on scene, one female unconscious but breathing," a dispatcher said.
Video from ABC30 Insider Danny Jimenez showed first responders arriving at the scene. Another emergency transmission reported: "We have two patients, both, one unresponsive, one with CPR in progress."
Both victims were taken to a hospital, where they later died from their injuries.
The driver fled the scene and has not been located.
"I'm hoping and praying that person turns himself in honestly," said Rosa, who works at a market near where the crash occurred.
Rosa said walking is common in the area, particularly during the hotter months.
"Everybody walks in this area," she said, "Most people walk around here. That's a sad part, especially early because it's hot. You're gonna walk at night or you're gonna walk early in the morning, especially elderly."
A speed display sign near the crash site warns motorists to slow down. The posted speed limit on Manning Avenue is 35 mph.
Residents say that speeding and crashes are a recurring concern along the busy roadway.
"It's the main road here in a couple of cities. You're so used to going fast, then you're coming into town, you forget you gotta slow down," Rosa said.
The deaths have shaken members of the community, who expressed sympathy for the victims' families.
"I have a lot of regulars, so you do think, I wonder who it could've been. You see regulars," Rosa said. "It's sad, honestly, that the situation makes you think it could've been anybody's grandparents."
Police said there are no cameras at the immediate intersection where the crash occurred.
The Reedley Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has camera footage that may be relevant to contact the department.
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