Pedestrian Fatally Struck by Tesla on Highway 138 in Phelan, Investigation Underway
PHELAN, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 138 on Tuesday evening at approximately 5:36 PM on November 12, 2024. The incident occurred west of the I-15 freeway, near Dusty Lane.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene and found a 2024 Tesla pulled over on the right-hand shoulder of the highway, alongside an individual lying on the roadway.
Despite the life-saving measures administered by first responders, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The windshield of the Tesla was significantly damaged, and personal belongings, including a shoe and articles of clothing, were scattered across the roadway. To ensure the safety of motorists, westbound lanes were closed for over an hour while officers set up flares and cones around the accident scene.
According to the California Highway Patrol incident logs, one other individual, presumably the driver of the Tesla, was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center with major injuries.
The San Bernardino County Coroner was notified to respond, and the identity of the deceased will be released once next of kin have been informed.
The cause of the accident is under investigation by the CHP Inland Division. Additional information will be updated as it becomes available.
UPDATE 11/13 — On November 12th, 2024, Inland Communications Center received a call about a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on SR-138, where the San Bernardino County Fire Department and California Highway Patrol responded. A preliminary investigation revealed that a gray 2024 Tesla Model 3, driven by a male from Mira Loma at about 65 mph, collided with a male pedestrian from Phelan who was walking in the same lane. The pedestrian sustained major injuries and died at the scene, while the driver was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center and is expected to recover. Officer A. Lujan from San Bernardino CHP is the primary investigator.
