A pedestrian has died after being struck by a falling pole following a two-vehicle crash in North York on Friday evening.
Toronto police responded to the area of Gerry Fitzgerald Drive and Steeles Avenue West, west of Dufferin Street, at about 6:43 p.m. after receiving reports of a collision involving two vehicles. Investigators say a 19-year-old woman driving a Volkswagen Tiguan was travelling east on Steeles Avenue West and attempting to turn left at the intersection. At the same time, a man driving an Acura MDX westbound allegedly ran a red light while travelling at a high speed.
The impact caused the Acura to spin out of control and hit a utility pole at the northwest corner of the intersection. The pole fell and struck a 62-year-old pedestrian, who died at the scene.
Police say the Acura driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The suspect is described as a thin-built man who was last seen wearing a grey or blue tracksuit and carrying a black backpack.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to contact investigators.