PHILADELPHIA – Authorities in Philadelphia are working to locate the driver responsible for a deadly hit-and-run that occurred early Wednesday morning near Drexel University. The incident, which took place along a busy stretch of Market Street, has left a community shaken and investigators urgently searching for answers.
According to information released by the Philadelphia Police Department, the collision happened shortly before 4:30 a.m., as the victim was walking with several of her co-workers near the intersection of 33rd and Market Streets. The group was reportedly crossing the street together when a speeding vehicle approached them. Detectives say the driver was moving at an extremely fast pace and narrowly missed hitting the three co-workers who were walking alongside the woman. Unfortunately, the driver struck her directly, resulting in devastating injuries.
Officials described the impact as forceful enough to throw the woman out of her shoes, highlighting the severity of the collision. After emergency responders arrived at the scene, the victim was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where medical staff worked to treat her injuries. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead a short time later.
The driver did not stop after the crash, police said. Investigators are now searching for a silver Chrysler 300 that was seen fleeing the area. The car reportedly has tinted windows and a Pennsylvania license plate, though the full tag number has not yet been confirmed or publicly released. The vehicle was last observed traveling across 33rd Street after the collision, and detectives are reviewing nearby surveillance cameras in hopes of identifying a clear image of the car or its driver.
Investigators are also interviewing witnesses, including the victim’s co-workers who were with her at the time. Detectives believe their accounts may help establish the speed of the vehicle, the direction it came from, and any other notable details that could lead to the driver’s identification. Police also intend to analyze footage from traffic cameras, building security systems, and business surveillance along Market Street, an area that is typically well-monitored due to its proximity to Drexel University and other institutions.
The intersection where the crash occurred is a heavily trafficked part of University City, especially during morning hours, though few pedestrians are usually present that early. Police have not yet announced whether weather conditions, lighting, or other environmental factors may have played a role in the driver’s failure to stop or slow down. However, they have emphasized that the speed at which the vehicle was traveling appeared to be a significant factor.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident—or anyone who may have spotted a Chrysler 300 with recent damage—to come forward. They hope that leads from the public will help them locate the driver and determine why they left the scene. Tipsters may contact Philadelphia police directly, and additional avenues for submitting information anonymously may be made available as the investigation progresses.
Officials have stated that more information will be provided once it becomes available and as detectives gather additional evidence. For now, the focus remains on tracking down the car involved and holding the responsible driver accountable for the tragic loss of life.
This fatal hit-and-run has prompted renewed conversations about pedestrian safety in busy urban corridors, particularly in areas frequented by students and employees who walk to and from campus. As the community waits for updates, police continue their work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the crash and bring closure to the victim’s family and co-workers.
