The investigation continued Thursday into the death of a 47-year-old woman who was struck by a tractor-trailer in San Pedro early Wednesday, Los Angeles police said, in a case police are treating as a fatal hit-and-run because the driver did not stop.
The crash occurred at 1:31 a.m. Wednesday at West Channel and Gaffey streets, LAPD Officer Rosario Cervantes told City News Service. Police said the big rig was stopped at a red light at the intersection and, as the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Gaffey, the rig's rear right tires struck and fatally injured the woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver failed to stop at the scene as required by law and continued southbound on Gaffey, Cervantes said. In an earlier police account, officers did not release a description of the vehicle, but KTLA reported that investigators believe it was towing a white trailer.
Source: KTLA reporting cited in MyNewsLA — Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle, Killed in San Pedro, Oct. 21, 2026
Anyone with information about the crash was urged to call 323-421-2577 to speak with detectives Elizarraraz or Kolke of the Los Angeles Police Department's South Traffic Division. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Police say this crash happened during a left turn, when a trailer's rear tires can swing across a corner. The investigation is still open and no arrest had been reported in the accounts reviewed. Drivers who were near West Channel and Gaffey streets in San Pedro around 1:31 a.m. Wednesday and saw anything are asked to contact LAPD South Traffic Division detectives.
What is solid
- A 47-year-old woman was killed at 1:31 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at West Channel and Gaffey streets in San Pedro after being struck by a turning tractor-trailer's rear right tires — LAPD via City News Service / MyNewsLA.
- The driver did not stop and continued southbound on Gaffey; LAPD South Traffic Division detectives are investigating and seeking witnesses.
What is only claimed
- No contested factual claim has been reported so far; the driver's identity and the full circumstances remain under investigation.