Driver was struck and killed while walking on highway where people were taking loose money

A driver was struck and killed as he got out of his car and crossed a Rhode Island highway where people were rushing to collect loose change, reports said.

Kevin Elliot McCourt stopped his car on I-95 in Providence around 5:40 a.m. Wednesday and had already walked across the southbound lanes when he was fatally struck by a Volkswagen SUV on the northbound side. WJAR reported.

The fatal accident occurred when civilians and police officers were filmed chasing dollar bills flying on the same highway. according to NBC News.

However, police have not yet confirmed whether McCourt was killed while trying to take the loose cash. It was also not clear where the money came from.

Locals were shocked to see the money flying around the busy highway, but were not surprised that people risked their lives to get it.

“I think that’s strange, is there more money to be found?” Sara Walker of Providence told WJAR. “It’s definitely not worth getting out of your car to grab cash.”

“The economy is tough right now, free money,” said Warwick resident Lauren Senechal Warwick. “I don’t blame anyone for picking it up.”

Samuel Rhee said, “It’s really sad to hear that someone was hit because of it.

“I hope whoever lost that money didn’t need it too much and it’s very sad for that man’s family,” he added.

The accident closed the lanes for more than an hour, as did a separate accident on the southbound side at Exit 36 ​​B that also blocked the lanes. Traffic was cleared again at 7 a.m

Police say there are no criminal charges against the driver of the SUV. The crash is still under investigation.

The Post has contacted Rhode Island State Police for additional information.