A tragic incident occurred in Philadelphia's University City yesterday when a 39-year-old man using a wheelchair was fatally struck by a Peter Pan bus. As reported by 6abc, the collision happened around 9:30 AM at Market Street and Schuylkill Avenue, close to 30th Street Station. The man was reportedly panhandling outside the federal building when the accident occurred.
According to police statements provided to CBS News Philadelphia, the bus had a green light and was traveling north when the man in the wheelchair, attempting to reach the median, became trapped in the traffic flow. The bus driver, who did not see the man, continued northbound and collided with the victim. The pedestrian, who authorities have not yet identified, was pronounced dead on the scene.
Following the accident, a friend of the victim, Brenden Nieves, expressed his grief to 6abc. "He was a really good man," Nieves recounted. "Even though I only knew him for a few months, I didn't really know a guy like him. Very nice man." The incident is currently under investigation by the Crash Investigation Division, as officials and the community grapple with the loss.
Aerial footage from NBC Philadelphia's SkyForce10 showed the scene post-collision, with the bus halted at the roadside and police vehicles surrounding the area. The grim aftermath with the victim's wheelchair and a covering sheet was visible in the middle of the roadway. Peter Pan Bus Lines issued a statement, assuring the public that "The safety and well-being of our passengers, employees, and the community is our top priority" and confirming their cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
