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Teen Killed, Five Hospitalized After Single-Vehicle Crash in South Philadelphia

Police and state investigators are reviewing traffic-camera footage to determine whether speed, vehicle capacity or impairment contributed to the crash.

Overview

  • The crash happened shortly before 1 a.m. on Friday when a small sedan exiting I-95 South struck a curb, went airborne and landed on its passenger side on South Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
  • Six people were inside the car; an 18-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the hospital and five others were taken to area hospitals with two in critical condition and three listed as stable.
  • Local reporters and police said the vehicle was heavily loaded and was later towed as a total loss, with one outlet reporting the sedan was not designed to carry six occupants.
  • Philadelphia Police, Pennsylvania State Police and state inspection teams worked the scene for hours and have begun a formal review of surveillance footage while investigators say it is not yet known if alcohol, drugs or mechanical failure were factors.
  • Investigators will use camera evidence and scene processing to establish cause and responsibility, a process that could lead to criminal charges or safety recommendations for off-ramp design and enforcement.