SMITHFIELD, NC — Smithfield police are investigating a Saturday morning crash that seriously injured a 76-year-old woman after she was hit by a pickup truck in a crosswalk. Officers said the woman was walking through the crossing when the truck struck her at East Market Street and Second Street.
The collision happened just before 11:30 a.m., according to authorities. Smithfield police, Smithfield Fire Department crews and Johnston County EMS all responded to the intersection after a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
Woman was crossing from South Second Street to North Second Street
Police said the woman was moving through the crosswalk from South Second Street to North Second Street when the pickup hit her. The driver was identified as a 20-year-old.
Authorities have not released the names of either person involved. They also have not said whether weather, speed or any other factor may have played a role in the crash.
The intersection sits in a busy part of Smithfield, where East Market Street meets Second Street. The police department has not said whether traffic in the area was blocked or rerouted after the collision.
Emergency crews took the victim to Wake Medical Center
After the crash, the woman was taken to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries. Officials did not provide an update on her condition beyond that description.
Because the injuries were described as serious, the crash drew an immediate response from both fire and EMS personnel. The combined response suggests first responders treated the incident as a significant emergency at the scene.
No additional information was released about the woman’s current status, and officials have not said how long she may remain hospitalized.
Police say the crash is still under investigation
The Smithfield Police Department said the crash remains under investigation. Officers also said charges are pending, but they did not specify what possible charges could be filed or against whom.
Investigators have not publicly shared whether they believe the driver may have failed to yield, whether the pedestrian had the signal, or whether other traffic-control issues are being examined. Those details will likely depend on the continuing review of the scene and witness statements.
For now, police have only confirmed that the investigation is active and that more information could be released later.
Crosswalk crashes remain a serious safety concern
Crashes involving pedestrians in marked crossings can lead to severe injuries because people on foot have little protection from impact. This incident shows how quickly an ordinary street crossing can turn dangerous even in daylight hours.
Local emergency agencies were called to the scene within minutes of the reported crash. Their response included police officers, firefighters and county EMS, underscoring the seriousness of the injuries reported that morning.
Authorities have not said whether any traffic calming measures, roadway design features or signal timing issues are being examined as part of the case.
What authorities have said so far
At this point, investigators have confirmed only a few basic facts: a woman was struck by a pickup truck, she was crossing in a crosswalk, and she suffered serious injuries. The driver was a 20-year-old, and the crash happened late Saturday morning at East Market Street and Second Street.
Smithfield police have not released a timeline for when the investigation might be completed. They have also not said whether any citations or formal charges will be announced soon.
For now, the case remains active, and police are asking the public to wait for further updates as they continue to sort out what happened at the intersection.
No additional information about the driver or charges yet
Officials have not said whether the pickup truck driver remained at the scene or whether investigators believe impairment, distraction or another factor contributed to the crash. No information has been released about the vehicle beyond the fact that it was a pickup truck.
Police also have not disclosed whether the driver could face traffic citations, misdemeanor charges or more serious allegations. The department said only that charges are pending, which means investigators are still reviewing the case before making a final decision.
Until police release more details, the crash will remain one of the more serious traffic incidents reported in Smithfield this weekend.