NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — At least two people are dead after a van hit two pedestrians on Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia, then crashed.
Police said the van was traveling in the southbound outer lane of Roosevelt Boulevard near its intersection with Welsh Road when it lost control and veered off the road, striking a utility pole and two men walking on the sidewalk. The van then rolled over and came to a stop at a tree on the side of the road.
Acting Executive Fire Chief Daniel McCarty said crews arrived to the scene not long after the van had rolled over.
"We also had someone trapped inside the vehicle," he said.
It took about 40 minutes for crews to extricate the driver from the vehicle, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:38 p.m. One of the men hit died upon arrival to the hospital at 2:49 p.m.
Authorities said the second man struck is in extremely critical condition.
A man walking to the gym nearby saw the crash and said while he's thankful it wasn't him who was hit, his thoughts are with those that were killed and injured.
"We have to be appreciative it wasn't us, but also look out for the family of anyone that was injured and pray for them," he said.
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the incident.