West Springfield, MA (March 19, 2026) – A man was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle on a busy West Springfield roadway.
The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, in the area of 1305 Riverdale St near Ashley St. Emergency units responded after a 911 call reported that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle.
When crews arrived, they found a 54-year-old man suffering from serious, life-threatening injuries. The victim was taken to Baystate Medical Center for treatment, where he was later listed in critical condition.
Authorities reported that the vehicle involved remained at the scene following the crash. The driver was taken to Mercy Medical Center for evaluation and is cooperating with investigators.
Traffic in the area was affected for a period while crews worked at the scene. A portion of Riverdale St near Ashley St was temporarily closed during the investigation, which was later reopened.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Often Occur on Busy Commercial Roads
Busy commercial corridors often carry steady vehicle traffic throughout the day. Roads lined with businesses, shopping areas, and multiple intersections may see frequent pedestrian activity.
When pedestrians cross these roadways, they may encounter vehicles traveling at regular traffic speeds. Drivers must remain alert for people walking near driveways, sidewalks, and intersections along the route.
Morning hours can also affect visibility and reaction time. Changes in light conditions, commuter traffic, and vehicles entering or exiting nearby businesses may increase the risk of a collision.
Road width and traffic flow can also influence how these incidents unfold. On multi-lane roads, drivers may have limited time to notice a pedestrian entering the roadway, which can lead to serious injuries in a crash.