On Friday, a deadly chain of crashes along Roosevelt Boulevard left one man dead and another fighting for his life. Philadelphia Police reported that the two men had been involved in separate traffic incidents that disabled their vehicles in the northbound lanes beneath the Broad Street overpass.
As traffic continued to move through the area, other vehicles struck the stopped cars. Police said both men jumped over the concrete median into the southbound lanes in an effort to avoid being hit but were then struck by an oncoming Toyota. One man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition with multiple injuries. The Toyota driver was unhurt and is cooperating, authorities said.
The Philadelphia Police Crash Investigation Division is investigating. Sections of Roosevelt Boulevard were temporarily closed, and snow and ice were visible on the roadway at the time of the incident.
Secondary crashes involving disabled vehicles are especially hazardous on wide, high-speed corridors such as Roosevelt Boulevard. Vehicles stopped in active traffic lanes leave approaching drivers with little opportunity to slow down or change lanes, particularly during periods of reduced visibility or heavy traffic. Snow and ice can further compromise braking and steering, increasing the risk that an initial collision will quickly develop into a series of additional crashes and serious injuries.
McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC is a full-service personal injury law firm. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, call us today at 215-569-8488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With office locations in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware, we proudly serve clients across both states.