MALABAR, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol says two pedestrians were killed Thursday night in Malabar, while trying to cross U.S. 1 on their way to a popular restaurant.
The accident shut down the northbound lanes of U.S. 1 at Riverview Drive for about four hours while troopers investigated.
Troopers said the couple -- a husband and wife in their 70s -- walked into the path of a Toyota sedan. The two were on their way to meet some relatives for dinner at the Yellow Dog Cafe.
According to FHP, the victims lived in Palm Bay, but their next of kin live out of state and investigators are still trying to notify relatives before releasing the victims' names.
Troopers said Marquese Turner, 25, of Palm Bay was driving the Toyota. He was taken to Palm Bay Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The speed limit in the area is 45 miles per hour. Right now, investigators said they do not believe the driver was speeding. They also do not believe alcohol was a factor.
"U.S. 1 is a very busy highway. There's no crosswalk here, it's not at an intersection," said FHP Lt. Channing Taylor. "Personally, I wouldn't want to be crossing this road."
Stuart Borton is the chef and operator of the Yellow Dog Cafe. He heard the screeching sound of the crash and ran to help.
"It's horrific. It's probably the worst thing I've ever seen in my life," said Borton.
Borton said the road is so dangerous, his restaurant has offered free valet parking for years, but in light of Thursday night's tragedy, he's hoping the state will take action.
"We've tried for years to get the speed limit lowered and it's just been an uphill battle," said Borton.