Pedestrian Killed in Collision with RTD Train in Northeast Denver

A-Line service suspended as police investigate fatal incident near Smith Road and Dahlia Street

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A pedestrian was struck and killed by an RTD commuter train on Monday morning near the intersection of Smith Road and Dahlia Street in northeast Denver, shutting down the busy A-Line rail corridor and causing major traffic disruptions as police investigated the incident.

Why it matters

This is the latest in a series of serious incidents involving RTD's A-Line, which has faced previous shutdowns and service disruptions due to collisions with pedestrians and vehicles. The fatal crash highlights ongoing safety concerns around the rail line and the impact these types of incidents can have on Denver's transportation network.

The details

The crash was reported around 10:32 a.m., and police shut down the nearby intersection as they examined the scene and gathered evidence. RTD suspended A-Line service and implemented shuttle bus service to cover affected stations, causing delays and forcing commuters to seek alternate routes. This is at least the third major incident on the A-Line in recent years that has resulted in a fatality and significant service disruptions.

  • The crash was reported around 10:32 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • In January 2025, a previous pedestrian fatality near Smith Road and Quebec Street led to another full shutdown of the A-Line.
  • A 2023 incident on the A-Line also forced a lengthy closure and detours along the corridor.

The players

Denver Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the fatal collision and managing the response and traffic impacts.

Regional Transportation District (RTD)

The public transit agency that operates the A-Line commuter rail service, which was disrupted due to the incident.

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What’s next

Denver police say the investigation remains active and have not yet released details about the person who was killed. Commuters are urged to monitor RTD Service Alerts or the agency's NextRide app for real-time updates as officials work to restore normal service.

The takeaway

This fatal collision on the A-Line is the latest in a series of serious incidents that have disrupted Denver's public transportation network and raised ongoing safety concerns around the commuter rail system. The impact on traffic and commuters underscores the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the reliability and safety of the city's transit infrastructure.