In a devastating turn of events yesterday evening, a young woman lost her life in what police are describing as a complex hit-and-run collision involving two vehicles in Scarborough’s east end. The incident occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. near Pharmacy Avenue and Huntingwood Drive, an intersection that residents have long flagged as problematic.
Toronto Police Service responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a pedestrian struck by not one, but two vehicles. According to Inspector James Henderson, who spoke at the scene, “The victim, a woman in her early twenties, was crossing at the marked crosswalk when she was hit by the first vehicle, which immediately fled the scene. Moments later, a second vehicle struck her while she was lying on the roadway.”
Emergency services arrived quickly, but despite paramedics’ efforts to save her life, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity hasn’t been released pending notification of family members.
“This type of incident shakes our entire community,” said Councillor Jim Karygiannis, who represents the Scarborough-Agincourt area. “No one should fear for their safety while simply crossing a street in their neighborhood.”
The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. Police have confirmed this driver is not currently facing charges, as early evidence suggests they may not have been able to avoid the collision given the circumstances.
However, the search continues for the first driver who fled. Traffic Services has released a description of the vehicle based on witness accounts and preliminary evidence gathered at the scene. They’re looking for a dark-colored SUV, possibly a Honda CR-V or similar model, with significant front-end damage.
“We’re reviewing security footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras,” said Detective Sergeant Brett Moore from the Traffic Services unit. “We’re urging the driver to do the right thing and come forward immediately.”
This marks the fourth pedestrian fatality in Toronto this year, continuing a troubling trend in road safety. According to data from the City of Toronto’s Vision Zero initiative, pedestrian deaths have remained stubbornly high despite infrastructure improvements throughout the city.
Local resident Maria Petrakis, who lives just two blocks from the crash site, wasn’t surprised to hear about the incident. “I’ve been complaining to the city about this intersection for years. Cars speed through here all the time, and the lighting is terrible after dark. Something needs to change before more people get hurt.”
The area around Pharmacy and Huntingwood has been identified in previous city transportation studies as needing safety improvements. The intersection falls just outside one of the city’s designated “safety zones” where enhanced measures like reduced speed limits and additional signage have been implemented.
Transportation Services spokesperson Angela Robertson confirmed that the intersection is “under review for potential safety enhancements” but couldn’t provide a timeline for when improvements might be made.
As investigators work to piece together exactly what happened, they’re appealing to the public for help. Anyone with information, particularly those with dashcam footage who were driving in the area between 8:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., is asked to contact Traffic Services or Crime Stoppers.
The police have set up a dedicated tip line for this case, recognizing the severity of the incident and the importance of bringing the driver responsible to justice.
In the meantime, residents held an impromptu vigil this morning at the crash site, leaving flowers and candles in memory of the young woman whose life was cut tragically short. Local community groups are already organizing to demand immediate safety improvements to the intersection.
As Toronto continues to implement its Vision Zero Roa
