WASHINGTON -- A man who was on a scooter is dead after being dragged by an SUV and then getting trapped underneath the vehicle in Dupont Circle Friday morning, a Metropolitan police source said.
Fire officials said the man had to be pulled out from underneath an SUV. The man was trapped underneath the SUV for about 15 minutes. The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. He later died from his injuries.
A Lime scooter, a shoe and headphones can be seen on the ground in the area of where the crash happened.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the report of this incident in Washington, D.C.," A Lime spokesperson said. "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and loved ones. We have offered our full support to local authorities in connection with the investigation.”
Police Chief Peter Newsham said at a news conference Friday afternoon that investigators have spoken with multiple witnesses. However, Newsham explained, investigators are receiving varying accounts as to what happened in Dupont Circle.
The chief also said investigators have reviewed traffic circle video of the incident.
“There was very little that anyone could have done,” said Kristen Laird, who witnessed the crash.
The crash has left people in the area, especially those who ride dockless scooters, shaken.
“I use them often myself,” said Sofia Tuomala. “So it scares me a lot actually. This man could have been doing what I do every day.”
The District Department of Transportation runs the new dockless scooter and bike program. A spokesperson said DDOT will review the case when the investigation is complete. She also said Friday’s crash is the first fatality involving a scooter in DC that they know of.
DC police have not yet released the victim's name and age.
