Newport residents note safety concerns in area of deadly crash

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) – A 52-year-old Newport resident was killed in a crash on Monday.

“It’s really hard to hear that somebody lost a father, a son, a loved one,” Olya Myers, a Newport resident, said. “But it’s not surprising, unfortunately.”

Officials said the victim was attempting to use the crosswalk on Broadway around 10:30 p.m. when he was hit and killed.

A small memorial was set up at the corner on Tuesday.

“It’s frightening and it’s sad,” Laura Kcira, a Newport resident, said. “It is a super busy road and people do tend to speed.”

Locals who frequent the area said there have been several incidents on the stretch of Broadway near Bedlow Avenue, with many experiencing close calls themselves.

“There’s many times where cars have been very close to hitting me,” Myers said. “Even as a biker, I don’t feel safe.”

“People just don’t slow down,” Kcira added.

Some said there needs to be a change.

“Other towns have noticed this is happening,” Myers said. “And I think we need to start having [crossing flags] for these instances, because we are a tourist town.”

Police said the driver that hit the man Monday night got a right-of-way crosswalk citation, but no criminal charges have been filed.

Officials have not publicly identified the victim.