Roosevelt Boulevard crash leaves driver, pedestrian dead in Bustleton
Driver and pedestrian killed after crash along Roosevelt Blvd
Two people were killed and a third person is in critical condition following a crash on Roosevelt Boulevard Thursday.
PHILADELPHIA - Two people have died and a third person was seriously injured following a crash on Roosevelt Boulevard involving pedestrians on Thursday afternoon.
What we know:
Around 2 p.m., Philadelphia police say two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle that traveling southbound in the outer lane on the 9000 block of East Roosevelt Boulevard near Welsh Road.
The van lost control in the outer lane, crashing into a pole, then a tree, before hitting two people sitting on a bench.
The driver of the vehicle, an adult male, was later pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics.
Both pedestrians were transported to a nearby hospital. One male victim was pronounced dead a short time after arriving at the hospital. The other victim, also a male, remains in critical condition.
SKYFOX was over the scene of the crash where the striking vehicle could be seen partially wedged under a tree on the side of the roadway as emergency crews worked to gain entry to the vehicle.
What they're saying:
"Extremely dangerous. It's like so unsafe, even with the cameras they installed, still doesn't slow 'em down," Angela Devece, a local resident, expressed her shock.
Residents like Angela Devece and Michael Ramirez are not surprised by the accident, citing frequent crashes on this stretch of road.
"This happens a lot around here. Lots of accidents all the time," noted Ramirez, a retired truck driver.
Ryan Collins, who lives nearby, emphasized the importance of adhering to the 45 mph speed limit. "You get people driving 60, 70 miles an hour down the boulevard. The key is to be careful," he said.
What's next:
Police say the crash remains under investigation with the department’s accident investigation division.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and authorities continue to piece together the details of the accident.