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The first accident happened in the Northeast on Roosevelt Boulevard, near Grant Avenue. Accident Investigations Commanding Officer Mark Overwise said 23-year-old Lasheerah Rankins of Fairless Hills was driving northbound around 1:30 a.m.
“She was struck by a vehicle at a high rate of speed. After the impact, her vehicle struck a tree and caught fire,” he said.
Rankins was pronounced dead at the scene. It is unknown if the driver was under the influence, but charges could be filed after toxicological tests are completed.
The second incident was a hit-and-run in West Philadelphia, which occurred Sunday evening just before 8:30. Mark Sumner, 40, of East Mount Airy, died as a result.
“Mr. Sumner was crossing mid-block in the 4100 block of Girard Avenue, in the dark; it was raining. He was struck by a white or silver vehicle,” Overwise said, which then fled the scene.
After the first impact, a second vehicle struck Sumner. That vehicle, a pickup truck, remained at the scene. That driver is not expected to face charges.
Sumner was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and was pronounced dead a short time later.
Overwise is urging anyone who has information about the first driver — or information about a white or silver vehicle with new front-end damage — to contact police.