San Jose, Costa Rica— A pedestrian couple was killed after being struck by a speeding vehicle in San José on October 16, 2026, and the car ended up 30 meters beyond the crosswalk with its windshield shattered. The couple died at the scene. They were holding hands.
Transit Police said the crash occurred near midday on a central avenue in the capital. The couple, both in their 60s, were crossing legally at an intersection with a pedestrian signal. Witnesses said the vehicle, a gray sedan, was moving at high speed and did not brake. It hit them directly.
A witness who runs a kiosk nearby said, "They were halfway across. The car came fast. It did not slow. It threw them." Another bystander called 911. Paramedics arrived in eight minutes. One victim had no pulse. The other died while being treated.
The driver, a 28-year-old man, remained at the scene but appeared disoriented, according to officers. He was detained and taken for breathalyzer and drug screening. Initial tests showed positive for alcohol, according to a preliminary report not yet confirmed by the lab. The vehicle was impounded.
La Nación reported that speeding on San José's central avenues remains a chronic problem, despite new cameras. Pedestrian deaths have risen this year, with elderly walkers at highest risk. Crosswalks are faded. Enforcement is sporadic outside rush hour.
A traffic investigator said, "We are reviewing CCTV from two businesses. The signal was green for pedestrians. Speed appears to be a determining factor." He said the prosecutor will decide on charges of negligent homicide with aggravating circumstances.
Neighbors and relatives arrived and placed flowers on the curb. The intersection is near a market and a bus stop. People cross constantly. A city engineer was seen measuring skid marks and signal timing.
The municipality issued a statement expressing condolences and promising a review of speed controls on that avenue. No immediate measures were announced. The bodies were taken to the Judicial Morgue for autopsy.
The case now moves to the Fiscalía. The driver faces possible pretrial detention. The avenue reopened after three hours.
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