LOTUS, El Dorado County, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 — A pedestrian was reportedly struck by a vehicle early on Monday morning, October 19, near Lotus Road and Coloma Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. The driver fled the scene before deputies arrived.
The California Highway Patrol said the call came in around 3:28 a.m. reporting a person possibly hit by a vehicle on the roadway. Within minutes, a dispatcher noted a pedestrian "down in the road" near the same stretch of Lotus Road, though it was not immediately clear whether this referred to the same victim or a second person. Responders located someone on the right shoulder, not in the roadway, as units continued to assess the scene.
According to radio traffic, a witness said the driver of an SUV got out, went into nearby bushes "screaming," then returned to the vehicle and drove off. That driver reportedly told another person at the scene that they knew the identity of the pedestrian who was struck, who was described only as a white man wearing dark blue pants. The CHP has not released further details about that account or confirmed it independently.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office set up a hard closure on Highway 49 at Lotus Road, closing the roadway in both directions around the crash site. Fire crews also responded. The extent of the pedestrian's injuries has not been released.
The hit-and-run remains under investigation. Anyone with information has not yet been publicly asked to come forward, though that is common in cases where a driver fled the scene.
We hope all those involved have a smooth recovery.
More on Crashes in Lotus, CA
This pedestrian crash happened at Lotus Road and Coloma Road in Lotus, CA. We cover crashes across El Dorado County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our El Dorado County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles usually suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal trauma, since they have no protection against the impact. Severity usually depends on vehicle speed and where the person is hit.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Driver inattention, failure to yield, poor visibility at night, and impaired driving are frequent factors. Hit-and-run cases like this one also usually involve a driver leaving the scene before being identified.
How does vehicle speed affect pedestrian survival?
Lower speeds generally give pedestrians a much better chance of survival. Crashes at higher speeds are more likely to cause fatal or life-altering injuries.
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Many occur at or near intersections and roadway crossings, especially in low-light conditions like early morning or nighttime hours, when drivers may have reduced visibility.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Lotus, California
If you witness or are involved in a pedestrian crash, call 911 immediately and stay at the scene if it's safe to do so. Try to note details about the vehicle, including color, type, and direction of travel, since this information can be critical when a driver leaves before authorities arrive. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is important, as some injuries like concussions or internal bleeding aren't immediately obvious. If you saw what happened, share your account with responding officers or the CHP as soon as possible. Filing a formal report helps investigators piece together what occurred and may assist in identifying a driver who fled.
