BELLEVILLE, St. Clair County, Ill., Oct. 22, 2026 — A pedestrian died on Wednesday morning, October 21, after being struck by a vehicle on West Main Street in Belleville, according to the Belleville Police Department. The driver did not stop at the scene.
Officers were called to the 9800 block of West Main Street around 10:30 a.m. after reports of a pedestrian hit by a vehicle. The woman struck, described as 42 years old and from Alton, Illinois, died from her injuries. Her full identity has not been released.
The driver left the area before officers arrived, and the vehicle has not yet been located. The description of the car involved has not been made public as the search continues.
Belleville Police detectives and crime scene investigators are working the case alongside the Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit, officials said. No arrests have been announced. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle to call the Belleville Police Department.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
More on Crashes in Belleville, IL
This pedestrian crash happened on West Main Street in Belleville, IL. We cover crashes across St. Clair County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our St. Clair County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrian crashes more likely to happen after dark?
Visibility plays a real role, but pedestrians are struck during daylight hours too, as this case shows. Factors like crosswalk placement, traffic speed, and driver attention matter as much as the time of day.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In Illinois, as in most states, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way, but drivers are expected to stay alert at intersections and midblock crossings alike, since right-of-way rules don't prevent every crash.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Belleville, IL
Anyone who witnesses or is involved in a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away and stay at the scene until officers arrive. Witnesses can help investigators by noting the direction a fleeing vehicle traveled, any partial plate numbers, or distinguishing features like color or damage. Photos of the scene, if it's safe to take them, can also help reconstruct what happened. Family members of someone injured or killed in a crash like this one should ask responding officers how to follow up on the police report and request updates as the investigation moves forward. For residents of Belleville, reporting any dash-cam or doorbell camera footage from the area and time of the crash to police can make a real difference in identifying the driver.
