Pedestrian Killed on 210 Freeway Near Madre Street in Pasadena

Crash shuts down eastbound lanes overnight as CHP investigates

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the tragic aftermath of a pedestrian collision without depicting any violence or victims.The harsh aftermath of a fatal pedestrian collision on the 210 Freeway exposes the fragility of life and the need for greater roadway safety measures in Pasadena.Pasadena Today

A pedestrian was killed late Sunday night on the eastbound 210 Freeway near Madre Street in Pasadena, leading to a multi-hour closure of the freeway as California Highway Patrol officers investigated the fatal collision.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety on Pasadena's streets, as the city works to eliminate roadway fatalities by 2035 through its Focused Local Roadway Safety Action Plan. The closure also caused major traffic disruptions in the area.

The details

According to witnesses, the pedestrian was running across the eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway near Madre Street around 9:30 p.m. when they were struck by a vehicle. The driver remained at the scene as CHP officers investigated. Pasadena Fire Department paramedics pronounced the pedestrian dead at 10:22 p.m. The CHP issued a SigAlert around 10:45 p.m., diverting traffic off the freeway at Madre Street. Crews later reopened the HOV and inner lanes after midnight, with all lanes back open in the early morning hours.

  • The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 16, 2026.
  • The CHP issued a SigAlert around 10:45 p.m. on April 16, 2026.
  • Crews reopened the HOV and inner lanes after midnight on April 17, 2026, with all lanes back open in the early morning hours.

The players

Pasadena Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the incident and pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.

California Highway Patrol (CHP)

The state law enforcement agency that investigated the fatal collision and issued a SigAlert to close the eastbound 210 Freeway.

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What’s next

The CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. Authorities have not released the identity of the pedestrian or announced any arrests or criminal charges.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges Pasadena faces in improving pedestrian safety on its streets, even as the city works toward its ambitious goal of zero roadway fatalities by 2035. The closure of the 210 Freeway for hours also caused significant traffic disruptions in the area.