A woman was hit and killed on Richmond Highway (Route 1) near Fort Belvoir early Thursday, authorities say.
Fairfax County police said they believe, preliminarily, that 53-year-old Melodie Kiem, of Fort Belvoir, was crossing Richmond Highway at the Tulley Gate intersection from the median to the eastern side of Richmond Highway, against the pedestrian cross signal about 6:45 a.m.
The driver of a 2015 GMC Terrain was going northbound on Richmond Highway with a green light and the right of way when the vehicle hit Kiem, police said. The driver stayed at the scene.
Medics pronounced Kiem dead at the scene, according to police.
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Northbound traffic was blocked, and drivers were told to avoid the area. The deadly crash backed up rush-hour traffic on the major thoroughfare.
Preliminarily, police said they don't believe speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.
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Detectives surveyed the damage and collected evidence.
Near the crash scene, Ashad Holley said he often sees drivers in the area speed and run red lights, and pedestrians cross when it’s not safe to do so. He said he’s come close to being hit in the area himself.
“It’s always sad to see, and then it’s disheartening that nothing has been done about it yet,” he said.
Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call the Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543.
Another early morning crash in Fairfax County, on Route 7/Leesburg Pike at Chain Bridge Road in Tysons, killed two people. Police said speeding was a factor, according to the initial investigation.
Later Thursday morning in the Hybla Valley area of the county, a driver hit and wounded a pedestrian, who was taken to a hospital. That crash occurred on Fordson Road near Lockheed Boulevard and Route 1.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.
