A tragic incident unfolded in West Philadelphia last night when a dirt bike rider, who the police suspect may have been on a stolen vehicle, died after a collision with a sedan. The NBC Philadelphia report stated that the incident occurred at around 8:16 p.m. yesterday, at the intersection of 52nd and Spruce Streets. According to the report, the dirt bike was heading north, performing a wheelie, when it met with the accident.
The rider, believed to be about 26 years old, was subsequently trapped underneath the car and, despite efforts from the fire apparatus that lifted the car to free him, was pronounced dead shortly before 9 p.m. after being transported to the hospital. Captain Andrew DiSanto noted, "I assume he was not traveling that fast at the time, he was not speeding," indicating that the car driver – who did not sustain injuries – was making a legal turn at the time of the collision, as reported by NBC Philadelphia.
The situation at the scene was tense as authorities worked to remove the man from under the vehicle. Action News also covered the event, confirming that the driver of the car remained at the scene after the crash. The identity of the deceased has not been released and the extent of his injuries, and the exact cause of his death have not yet been determined by officials.
The investigation continued through the night with the police seeking to establish all underlying factors that contributed to this unfortunate event, including the potential theft of the dirt bike.
