MIFFLINBURG, Union County, Pa., Oct. 21, 2026 — A child died on Monday afternoon, October 19, after being struck by a vehicle near Mifflinburg Elementary School.
The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. in the 100 block of Shipton Avenue, according to Mifflinburg police. Investigators said a 71-year-old man from Muncy was driving west on Shipton Avenue when the child tried to cross the street and was hit.
The child was taken to WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital, where a Union County deputy coroner pronounced them dead. Officials have not released the child's name, citing their age.
Mifflinburg Police Chief Tracy Fetterman and Detective Jackson Stroup are leading the investigation. Pennsylvania State Police, the Montoursville CARS Unit, Mifflinburg Hose Company, Mifflinburg Fire Police, and school district officials and police also responded to the scene. No charges have been announced, and the crash remains under investigation.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
More on Crashes in Mifflinburg, PA
This pedestrian crash happened on Shipton Avenue in Mifflinburg, PA. We cover crashes across Union County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Union County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do pedestrian crashes happen most commonly?
Many occur in neighborhood areas, parking lots, and street crossings near schools, where foot traffic and vehicle travel paths overlap. Low visibility, parked cars, and distracted driving or walking are common contributing factors.
Are pedestrian crashes more likely after dark or in daylight?
Nighttime crashes make up a large share of pedestrian deaths nationally because of reduced visibility, but collisions also happen in daylight, especially near schools and in residential areas during afternoon hours when children are walking home.
What should a pedestrian or witness do right after a crash like this?
Call 911 immediately, avoid moving an injured person unless there's an immediate danger, and wait for emergency responders. Witnesses should stay at the scene to provide a statement to police if possible.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way, but drivers and walkers both carry responsibility for watching traffic and crossing safely, particularly on multi-lane roads or where visibility is limited.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Mifflinburg, PA
Losing a child or loved one in a pedestrian crash is a shock that no family is prepared for. In the immediate aftermath, it helps to get a copy of the official police report once it's available and to keep records of any medical evaluations, even if injuries seem minor at first. Concussions and internal injuries aren't always obvious right away.
Lean on family, neighbors, and school counselors in a close-knit community like Mifflinburg. If you witnessed the crash or have information that could help investigators, contact the Mifflinburg Police Department directly. Taking things one step at a time, including follow-up medical care and emotional support for any children affected, matters more than rushing through decisions in the days that follow.
