Pedestrian hit and killed in Valle di Blenio, driver flees scene

An 85-year-old man died on Wednesday evening in Acquarossa, in Valle di Blenio. The elderly man was hit by a car. The incident happened shortly after 8pm, in the hamlet of Corzoneso. The victim was a Swiss citizen living in the region, but his identity has not been released.

According to an initial reconstruction by the cantonal police, the driver of the vehicle was traveling on via Lucomagno. He was heading toward Olivone. Via Lucomagno connects Acquarossa to Olivone, in the upper Valle di Blenio. At some point, he hit the elderly man. The causes of the crash will have to be established by the investigation.

After the collision, the driver did not stop. He drove off toward Olivone. There has been no trace of his identity so far.

Police officers responded to the scene. Firefighters from Acquarossa also arrived. The Tre Valli Soccorso rescue team was present as well. Rescuers tried to resuscitate the elderly man. The attempts were unsuccessful: the 85-year-old died at the scene. The cause of death was the severe injuries suffered in the crash. The Care Team was also called in to provide psychological support. The Care Team offers psychological support to people involved in traumatic events. The road was closed to traffic. Traffic was diverted.

A black car on the run

Investigators are now searching for the driver who fled. According to initial findings, the vehicle involved could be a black car. It is likely a Ford. The cantonal police are appealing to possible witnesses. Anyone who witnessed Wednesday evening's accident is asked to come forward. The same applies to anyone with information that could help trace the vehicle or its driver. Reports can be sent to the joint emergency centre, CECAL. The joint emergency centre coordinates emergency calls in the canton of Ticino. The number to contact is 0848 25 55 55.