INDIANAPOLIS, Marion County, Ind., Sept. 27, 2026 — A woman died on Saturday night, September 26, after a speeding vehicle crashed into another car and then plowed through a gas station parking lot on the city's near west side, striking her, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. A man has since been arrested in connection with the crash.
Officers were sent around 8:30 p.m. to a BP gas station in the 3300 block of West 16th Street, near North Tibbs Avenue. Investigators say a vehicle headed south on North Tibbs Avenue at a high speed struck another car, then lost control and continued into the gas station lot, hitting a woman who was walking there.
The woman, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle that struck her reportedly ran from the scene on foot immediately afterward. A man has since been arrested, though it has not been confirmed whether he was the driver who fled.
The driver of the second vehicle involved in the initial collision was not hurt and stayed at the scene to help with the investigation, police said. The crash remains under investigation, and further details, including the identities of those involved, have not been released as of this writing.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
Who Faces the Greatest Danger When Struck by a Vehicle
Pedestrians hit in parking lots or along roadway shoulders face a different set of risks than those crossing at marked intersections. A person standing or walking near a gas pump or lot entrance often has little warning and nowhere to go when a vehicle nearby loses control, unlike someone crossing at a signal, who at least has a chance to see a car approaching.
Older adults and people walking after dark tend to make up a large share of pedestrians killed in these kinds of crashes, since reduced visibility and slower reaction time work against them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 24 percent of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were struck by hit-and-run drivers in 2023.
Speed plays a large role in whether a pedestrian survives being struck. A vehicle moving well above a normal parking lot or residential speed gives a driver less time to steer away from a person in its path, and it multiplies the force of any impact that does happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the speed of a vehicle change a pedestrian's chance of survival?
Yes. Survival rates drop sharply as vehicle speed increases. A pedestrian struck at a low speed has a much better chance of survival than one struck at highway speed, because the force of impact rises with speed.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
Many occur outside marked crosswalks, including in parking lots, driveways, and along roadway shoulders, often where drivers do not expect to encounter someone on foot.
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Yes. A large share of pedestrian deaths occur after dark, when visibility is lower for both drivers and people walking.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Get to safety if possible, call 911, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Try to note details about the vehicle and driver, and file a police report as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash in Indianapolis, IN
If you witness or are involved in a hit-and-run crash, call 911 right away and stay at the scene if it's safe to do so. Try to note the vehicle's color, make, direction of travel, and license plate, if you can, since these details help investigators identify a fleeing driver.
Anyone injured, even those who feel fine immediately afterward, should get checked by a medical professional, since some injuries take hours to show symptoms. Cooperate with responding officers and provide a written statement while details are still fresh.
If you have information about a hit-and-run crash in Indianapolis, contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Tips from the public are often what help investigators locate a driver who left the scene.
