Worcester, MA (June 11, 2026) – A 39-year-old Worcester woman died Wednesday morning, June 10, after a flatbed tow truck struck her in a collision at the intersection of Canterbury and Grand streets. The collision occurred at approximately 10 a.m.
Van Thi Khanh Doan was crossing Canterbury Street in the crosswalk when the tow truck entered the intersection, turned left and hit her. She was found with severe injuries to her head and leg and was pronounced dead shortly after.
The truck’s driver stayed at the scene following the accident. Emergency units arrived and documented the flatbed and the surrounding intersection.
Whether charges will be filed remains subject to the outcome of the ongoing wreck review. No further details about the driver had been released at the time of this report.
Investigators are continuing to piece together the full sequence of events, and a determination on any charges is expected in the coming days. Our hearts go out to the family of Van Thi Khanh Doan, and we are deeply saddened by her passing.
How Left-Turn Pedestrian Crashes Happen and Why Crosswalks Don’t Always Protect Walkers
Left-turning vehicles are one of the most common causes of pedestrian fatalities at intersections across the United States. When a driver turns left, their attention often shifts toward oncoming traffic rather than crosswalks, which can make it harder to see a person who has already begun crossing. This is especially true for larger vehicles like tow trucks, which have wider turning radii and more limited sightlines than passenger cars.
Crosswalks offer legal protection for pedestrians, but they do not physically prevent a vehicle from entering them. Pedestrians in a marked crosswalk have the right of way in most states, yet crashes in these spots still happen with troubling regularity. Factors like vehicle size, driver distraction, and intersection design all shape how dangerous a crossing can be for someone on foot.
