Police have released updated information on a New Year's Eve vehicle accident that included three persons being struck as they crossed the street near Phil’s Tavern in Blue Bell. Sadly, the incident proved fatal for two of the three, while a third remains seriously injured in the hospital.
According to a press release sent to Wissahickon Now around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1 from the Whitpain Township Police Department, the accident, which occurred around 6:24 p.m. on Dec. 31, caused the death of two elderly women. One woman, age 82, from Horsham Township, and a 79-year-old female from Southampton, Bucks County were killed by the driver.
A third pedestrian, an 80-year-old female from Warrington, Bucks County, was injured and was transported for medical care. The driver, a 31-year-old male from Springfield, Delaware County, was operating a grey Jeep Cherokee traveling south on Butler Avenue when it collided with three pedestrians as they were crossing the road.
“All the pedestrians were transported to Abington Hospital for care,” said Whitpain Township Police Chief Kenneth Lawson via a release. “Two pedestrians died from their injuries.”
Lawson said that the driver did work with police, and remained at the scene, during last night’s investigation, which continues today.
“The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation,” he said.
Responding to the scene were units from the Whitpain Township Police Department, Whitemarsh Township Police Department, Centre Square Fire Company, Second Alarmers Rescue Squad, Whitemarsh Community Ambulance Association, Community Ambulance Association of Ambler, Barren Hill Fire Company, and the Wissahickon Fire Company’s fire police, among other first respodners.
“The crash is an ongoing investigation,” said Lawson. “The Whitpain Township Police Department urges anyone with information related to the incident to contact Officer George Frost at 610-279-9033.”
