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Woman Hit, Killed In South Boston Intersection Residents Have Complained About

BOSTON (CBS) - Residents and workers in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood call it an accident waiting to happen when a woman believed to be in her twenties was struck and later died crossing an intersection at Melcher and Summer streets.

"Every time I cross the street I make sure cars aren't coming out because they have a green light and we have a walk," said Debbie Murdock who works in the area.

Pedestrians say the problem is the traffic light sequence was changed with new construction a few moths ago. When vehicles from Melcher have a green light and turn left toward the intersection of Summer, pedestrians are getting a countdown to walk. Never mind there's a yield sign for cars.

south boston van crash woman killed
A woman died after she was hit by this van in South Boston Wednesday night, police said. (WBZ-TV)

"We have the right of way and they're supposed to yield," said Allison Murray.

A male was also struck and injured with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the white van that struck the pair stopped after the accident and so far there have been no charges.

Melcher and Summer
Intersection of Melcher and Summer Streets in South Boston (WBZ-TV)

"I knew they were going to have an accident," said local resident Meg Weed who said she planned to call police Thursday about the intersection. "Somebody was going to have to die before anyone took notice."

It's enough that Dianna Ring's nearby law firm sent a letter to the city complaining about the lights, including photos of close calls. She says she received a response that the case was closed. "They should have come out and assessed the situation," she said. "Everyday from our window we see people walking in the intersection and almost getting hit."

Mayor Marty Walsh called the crash a terrible tragedy. "At this intersection, a plan is underway to further improve safety, and we are going to continue doing the work needed to get to zero roadway fatalities across the entire city, and make sure that every person who uses our roadways is safe," Walsh said in a statement.

The identity of the victim has not been released as Boston police continue the investigation.

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