1 killed, 1 injured after vehicle hits pedestrians in Visalia

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Candles are placed in the spot where two pedestrian were hit in Visalia - one of the men died from his injuries.

Around 7:30 pm Thursday, officers got calls of a fatal collision on Noble Avenue and Mooney Blvd.

Authorities say the driver of a pickup truck was traveling northbound on Mooney when it ran a red light and hit a white SUV.

The force of the impact threw the vehicle onto the sidewalk, hitting the two pedestrians.

One of those pedestrians died at the hospital.

The other has serious injuries. The driver of the SUV suffered minor injuries.

While authorities have not released the name of the victim, Lloyd Boss knew him.

He said that he walks this area often.

"I almost got hit twice," he said. "If you are not paying attention, it's very dangerous."

Jesse Vander Tuig is also a housemate of the victim. He, too, walks this area every day because their home is right up Mooney Blvd.

According to authorities, this is one of the busiest intersections in the city.

Vander Tuig is hoping for more protection for pedestrians.

There's an on and off ramp coming off of Highway 198.

Sgt. Michael Short with Visalia police says more crashes happen near that intersection than anywhere else in town because of the sheer amount of traffic.

"It can be a very dangerous if people are not paying attention to the street lights and pedestrians as well," he said.

Sgt. Short says the driver of that pickup remained at the scene. Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors here.

Right now, authorities are working the investigation -- talking to witnesses, checking cameras, inspecting vehicles and even monitoring the lights.

The sergeant shares one general note for all drivers and pedestrians..

"Put everything else away and focus primarily and only on what you are doing, and that's operating that motor vehicle," he said.