Pedestrian dead following crash in Thermal

A pedestrian is dead after being hit by a pickup truck headed north on Harrison Street in Thermal. The crash happened around 8:30 a.m. Saturday near the intersection of Harrison Street and Avenue 78.

Cal Fire said the pedestrian was trying to stop traffic, to alert drivers about some downed power lines. California Highway Patrol said that just up the road, downed power lines caused a fire prior to the accident. CHP officers said the fire could have played a role in the crash.

“It may be a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation if it actually caused the accident or if it may have been something in the background,” said officer Gary Johnson.

Imperial Irrigation District said a tractor trailer hit a guide wire about one-tenth of a mile from the crash.

CHP is still investigating this incident. It took firefighters about two hours to contain the fire.