Two Killed in Horrific Crash at Detroit Bus Stop: Speeding Driver Arrested After Tragedy on City’s West Side Sparks Public Outcry Over Traffic Safety

DETROIT, MI — April 25, 2025
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Detroit’s west side Wednesday afternoon, when two pedestrians waiting at a bus stop were fatally struck by a speeding driver. The deadly crash occurred near the intersection of Fenkell Avenue and Evergreen Road, an area frequented by commuters and pedestrians alike. The incident has ignited urgent conversations about street safety, reckless driving, and community responsibility in one of Detroit’s most heavily trafficked corridors.

Authorities say the driver, a woman whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was traveling at an excessive rate of speed when she lost control of her vehicle. The car veered off the road and slammed into the bus stop, killing two people on impact. Detroit police confirmed that both victims—whose names have also not been released pending notification of next of kin—died at the scene.

A Routine Day Turns to Horror

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and disbelief as the crash occurred during what should have been a routine moment in the day—people waiting for public transportation.

“It happened so fast. One second everything was calm, and the next, there was a sound like an explosion,” said local resident Tanya Mitchell, who was inside a nearby store when the crash occurred. “By the time we ran outside, it was already too late.”

Surveillance footage from surrounding businesses is being reviewed as part of the investigation, which police say will include toxicology testing and analysis of the vehicle’s speed and condition. Authorities arrested the female driver at the scene. Charges have not yet been formally announced, but police say they expect her to face multiple counts, potentially including vehicular manslaughter or reckless driving causing death.

A Dangerous Intersection Known for Speeding

Fenkell and Evergreen is no stranger to traffic incidents. Community members have long raised concerns about the high speeds at which drivers travel along this stretch of roadway, which is dotted with small businesses, homes, and public transit stops.

“This corner has been dangerous for years. People treat it like a racetrack,” said longtime resident James Holley. “We’ve asked for speed bumps, flashing lights, more police patrols—something to slow people down before more lives are lost.”

Detroit city officials acknowledged that the area has been the site of repeated complaints. In 2023, a traffic study flagged the intersection as a high-risk zone for pedestrians, but proposed safety upgrades—such as curb extensions and reinforced bus shelters—have yet to be implemented due to funding constraints.

Community Reacts With Anger and Grief

News of the fatal crash spread rapidly across the city, with community leaders and residents expressing both sorrow for the victims and frustration over what they view as a preventable tragedy.

“This is devastating,” said Councilwoman Latisha Washington, who represents the district. “We can’t bring these individuals back, but we can honor their memory by taking meaningful action. We need better traffic enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and education campaigns about speeding. This cannot be our norm.”

Residents gathered Wednesday evening for an impromptu vigil at the site of the crash. Candles were lit, prayers were said, and a small memorial with flowers and handwritten notes quickly grew at the foot of the destroyed bus shelter.

A City Confronting a Crisis of Speed and Recklessness

Tragic accidents like this one are part of a broader pattern in Detroit, where traffic deaths—especially those involving pedestrians—have increased in recent years. According to data from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, pedestrian fatalities in the city rose by nearly 20% between 2021 and 2024, mirroring a national trend.

Experts cite a combination of factors, including speeding, distracted driving, and aging infrastructure ill-equipped to handle current traffic volumes. Community groups are now demanding an immediate response from city leaders to prevent further loss of life.

What Comes Next

As the families of the victims prepare to mourn, and legal proceedings begin against the driver involved, the Detroit Police Department has vowed to maintain a presence in the area and continue investigating what led to this horrific crash. A formal update from police and prosecutors is expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, grassroots organizations are planning a march this weekend to demand urgent reforms and bring attention to the deadly consequences of traffic violence in underserved communities.

“This should be a wake-up call,” said resident and activist Marcus Lane. “We’ve got to make our streets safer for everyone—because the next time, it could be any of us standing at that bus stop.”