A tragic incident unfolded on the Vine Street Expressway early Wednesday morning when a person, reportedly walking on the highway, was struck and killed by a car. The Pennsylvania State Police reported that the fatal event occurred around 4:20 A.M. in the westbound lanes of Interstate 676 near Broad Street.
Soon after the accident, the westbound section from Broad Street to 22nd Street was entirely closed, disrupting the flow of the morning commute. Through the rainy conditions, drivers found themselves in significant traffic jams, with all lanes blocked up to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway exit, NBC Philadelphia and CBS News Philadelphia report.
The male victim, yet to be identified, was thrown onto the right shoulder after being struck, where he was pronounced dead. In a statement obtained by 6ABC, the driver told investigators the man walked from the right shoulder and into the left lane, directly in front of the vehicle. Following the incident, the driver remained at the scene, cooperating with the authorities.
Officials have noted that the damage to the vehicle involved was consistent with the driver’s report. Further confirming, the driver was not impaired. Motorists, however, were forced to navigate through delays as investigators took to the scene, the eastbound traffic persisting unaffected. The roadway was reopened later as reported by multiple outlets after hours of investigation and clearing efforts.
