EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Police are investigating after a pedestrian was hit by a United States Postal Service vehicle in East Aurora Sunday. It happened at the intersection of Main Street and Olean Road on Sunday around 10 am.
Police said 79-year-old Mary Kerwin was crossing the street heading towards CVS when the vehicle, which was turning right, hit her. Police said she was taken to ECMC where she later died.
"We believe that the female did start crossing the road in the crosswalk," East Aurora Police Chief Patrick Welch said. "It sounds like from the witness statements that she did leave the crosswalk and she was traveling in the direction of the CVS pharmacy."
We're told the victim lived on Main Street not far from the accident. Police said she was pronounced dead at ECMC Sunday night.
John Newton owns a private school just feet from where the accident happened. He said he worries about his students crossing the busy intersection which he said is dangerous.
"So many people turning and they can't see around the corner where that happened," he explained.
Newton also said there have been several other accidents at the same intersection.
"Part of the problem is we've got cars that can turn right on red. We've got people that are going more than 20 miles an hour. It's just a dangerous intersection. It's just gotta be made safer," he said.
Chief Welch said no charges have been filed and the incident remains under investigation.
"Right now it sounds like just a terrible accident," he added. "This is a very walkable community and we just caution people to always be defensive whether you're driving...whether you're walking."
A spokesperson for USPS released the following statement to 7 News:
"The U.S. Postal Service and its employees are deeply saddened by the loss of a member of the East Aurora community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Safety is of paramount importance to the Postal Service, and we are investigating."
