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DALLAS, Dallas County, Texas, Sept. 14, 2026 — A pedestrian died early on Sunday morning, September 13, after being struck on eastbound Interstate 30 near Fair Park in Dallas, according to authorities. The crash prompted a shutdown of the eastbound lanes that lasted for hours.
Dallas police and fire-rescue crews responded to the scene near the 1st Avenue exit around 3:30 a.m., authorities said, and found one person down in the roadway along with several vehicles stopped on the shoulder. Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
All eastbound lanes of I-30 were closed as police diverted traffic and department investigators took over the scene, according to authorities. A dark-colored SUV remained at the location, and its driver reportedly stayed and is cooperating with investigators. As of the latest update, officials had not said how many vehicles were involved or confirmed why the pedestrian was on the freeway.
By 6 a.m., the eastbound lanes were still shut down, with authorities saying the closure could continue for several hours as the investigation went on. The shutdown forced drivers heading toward downtown Dallas and Fair Park to seek alternative routes during the early-morning commute. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Pedestrian Deaths by the Numbers on Dallas Freeways
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. That national figure aligns closely with what Dallas has recorded locally, where pedestrians account for roughly 30 percent of traffic deaths citywide despite representing only about 2 percent of daily commuters, based on city Vision Zero tracking.
The gap between how many people walk and how many die walking shows up statewide, too. Texas recorded more than 6,000 pedestrian-involved crashes in 2024, leading to over 770 deaths and close to 1,500 serious injuries, according to state transportation data. Pedestrians accounted for about 19 percent of all Texas traffic deaths that year, while making up only 1 percent of total collisions.
Freeways complicate that picture further. Interstates like I-30 are controlled-access roads where pedestrians are generally barred from the main lanes, yet fatal strikes on these corridors keep recurring in Dallas. Investigators typically examine lighting, sightlines, vehicle speed, and the reason a pedestrian entered the roadway when reconstructing crashes of this kind on freeway segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do immediately after being struck by a vehicle while walking?
Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor at first. Avoid moving unless there's danger of being struck again, and wait for paramedics to evaluate for internal injuries or shock, which don't always show symptoms immediately.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections, but drivers are required under Texas law to exercise caution and avoid hitting any pedestrian on a roadway, regardless of who technically has the right of way.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian crashes?
Head trauma, broken bones, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding are frequent outcomes when a vehicle strikes someone on foot, particularly at higher speeds common on freeways and major roads.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Dallas, TX
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately and stay at the scene until officers arrive. Getting checked by paramedics on site is important even without visible injuries, since some trauma takes hours to appear.
Take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and get contact information from any witnesses nearby. Follow up with a hospital or personal doctor within a day or two for a full evaluation, and request a copy of the official police report once it's filed for insurance or medical purposes.
