Tilden Township, PA (April 18, 2026) – A pedestrian was killed in a crash on Friday night on Interstate 78 in Berks County, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The incident occurred on April 17 at about 10:20 p.m. near mile marker 27.3 in Tilden Township. Troopers said a male pedestrian was struck on the interstate and suffered fatal injuries at the scene. His identity has not been released.
Authorities reported that the vehicle involved was driven by a 62-year-old woman from Raleigh, North Carolina. A 64-year-old passenger from Elon, North Carolina, was also in the vehicle. Police confirmed neither occupant was injured in the crash.
No additional details have been released regarding how the pedestrian came to be on the roadway or the events leading up to the collision. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Pedestrian Crashes on Interstates Are Often Severe
Pedestrian crashes on interstate highways are often especially severe due to high vehicle speeds and limited stopping distance. Drivers may have little time to react when someone is on the roadway, particularly at night.
Interstates are designed for fast-moving traffic, and pedestrians are typically not expected to be present. This makes visibility and reaction time critical factors in preventing collisions.
Investigators often review roadway access points, lighting conditions, and traffic movement patterns to determine how a pedestrian entered the travel lanes. These findings help clarify the circumstances surrounding these rare but serious incidents.
