ORANGE, Connecticut — A West Haven woman died after she was hit by multiple vehicles on Route 1 in Orange on Tuesday evening, police said.
Officials were called to the area of 57 Boston Post Rd. in front of the McDonald's around 6:22 p.m. to a report of a pedestrian hit by multiple vehicles. They found the victim - later identified as Khurshida Mohamadi, 43, lying on the road with multiple traumatic injuries. She was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“People were just going around her like she was not human. I mean it was a really sad and just horrific scene honestly,” said Shantavia Chappell.
Shantavia Chappell was one of the only eyewitnesses of a fatal hit and run that left Mohamadi dead.
Police say she was struck by two cars Tuesday night on Boston Post Road. The first car fled the scene while the second driver stopped and is cooperating with police.
“They literally left her there like she was an animal. Then, another car came about ten seconds later and hit her again,” said Chappell, “I wish I could turn back the hands of time and maybe say hey you need to move to a safer area. That area is not safe. I think she thought she was safe because she was in the middle. She was like in a little bubble.”
While there is a crosswalk walk near where the incident took place, other residents attest to Boston Post Road not being the safest for pedestrians. In April, a pedestrian was struck and killed on the same stretch in Milford.
“It’s not conducive for the safety and health for citizens.”
“I know she has a family. I’m pretty sure she may be a mother. I’m pretty sure she might be a sister. I would never want anything like this to happen to my family members and that’s why I just hope that they find the driver,” said Chappell.
She is an aunt and sister. In fact, one of her only other relatives in the US was her niece, Roya Mohammadi, who was found dead in the West Haven River just one day after her colleagues reported her missing in March.
While their friends in West Haven are calling for a deeper investigation into Roya’s death, Khurshida’s death now compounds their family in Afghanistan tragedies as they deal with two unanswered deaths.
“I just feel so bad. I wish that things were different,” said Chappell.
The police department is seeking assistance from the public who may have witnessed the crash. They said the unknown vehicle should have some damage to the left front of the vehicle.
Anyone with information can contact Orange detectives at 203-891-2138 and reference case No. 23-35149.
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