3-year-old girl killed in Kensington crash; teen driver hospitalized
By Christie Ileto and Annie McCormick
Updated 1 hr 33 mins ago
KENSINGTON (WPVI) -- Authorities are trying to determine if street racing is to blame for a crash that killed a 3-year-old girl in Philadelphia's Kensington section.
The crash happened around 7:15 p.m. Monday at 2nd and West York streets.
"Two cars were coming, and they hit this car, and I walked down the street and saw them lift the baby out," said Albert Mason, witness.
Police say the girl's mother and grandmother were traveling westbound on York Street when they were struck by a car driven by a 17-year-old boy.
"It appears the striking vehicle that was going south on 2nd Street, being operated by the 17-year-old male, may have been driving at a high rate of speed," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small. "Some witnesses are saying that 17-year-old driver was actually racing another vehicle."
The Honda, driven by the child's 43-year-old mother, jumped the curb and ripped up a hydrant before ejecting the 3-year-old through the rear passenger-side window.
"When she was found on the sidewalk she was not in a car seat. However, there is a car seat in the backseat of the vehicle," said Small.
"As soon as a I got out of the truck, all I see is the little baby," said witness Chino Cruz of Juniata.
The child was rushed to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children where she was pronounced dead at 7:51 p.m.
"Everybody was crying because of the baby," said Mason. "It was a lot of people that didn't know the baby and they were crying."
The child's grandmother is in stable condition and the mother is OK.
The 17-year-old driver was taken to Temple University Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.
Police are looking for a third car, described as a dark color Chevrolet Impala, likely with some front or side-end damage because it knocked over a light pole during the crash before fleeing the scene.
So far, no charges have been filed.