Photo by James Short.
As the Whitpain Township community continues to reel from a fatal pedestrian accident, many residents are calling for more lighting and safety in the vicinity of the incident.
As reported by Wissahickon Now on the night of the incident, as well as an update here, three elderly women crossing the road near the intersection of Skippack Pike and Butler Pike in Blue Bell resulted in the death of two and the hospitalization of the other. Police said that a Jeep Cherokee driven by a 31-year-old of Springfield, Delaware County took the lives of two women, one 82, of Horsham and the other 79, of Southampton, Bucks County. Their companion, an 80-year-old female from Warrington was admitted to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries. Her current status has not yet been made public.
In addition to heavy sporadic rains that night, the public took to social media to note the conditions of the intersection are very dangerous, according to multiple accounts.
“No the first nor the last time this will happen unless they change something there,” write Milan Szilagyi in a Facebook comment. “I drive by it everyday on my commute, and it’s virtually impossible to see anyone crossing the road there.”
The ladies, allegedly, were patronizing Phil’s Tavern, a Blue Bell business near the intersection. Many said that, due to the parking being across from the restaurant, additional danger is added to such incidents.
“Bad area where Phil’s is,” commented Derrick Roberson. “A lot of people getting hit while crossing there on the opposite side of Phil’s.”
Others commented that the area needs far more lighting and safety features.
“When are they going to put adequate lighting?” asked Brian Beradine in the comments of Wissahickon Now’s post. “Maybe a crosswalk with a flashing light? It’s a terrible situation trying to park and cross to eat.”
More agreed.
“I have a strong feeling they were crossing in the middle of Butler from the parking lot where people normally drive 35 to 40 mph, and it’s dark,” commented Magi Kern. “They need to put in speed bumps, crosswalk, something, because nobody’s walking all the way up to the light to cross. I’ve seen people dodging cars during the day to get to the bar and can only imagine how much work it was now [at night]. Tragic event that could be prevented. My condolences to all involved, pedestrians and driver.”
WissNow.com reached out to the leadership of the Whitpain Township community. While police have declined to comment, Township Manager Eric Traub did provide a comment on the behalf of the Board of Supervisors.
Traub said that since this accident is still under investigation, the Township was limited in what could be done or said at this time.
“The Township extends its deepest condolences to the families of those that have been impacted by the tragic vehicle accident on Butler Pike on New Year’s Eve,” said Traub. “Whitpain Police continue to investigate the accident with assistance from Montgomery County.”
After more details are gathered, the Township may be able to consider options.
“Once the investigation is completed, the Township will review the findings,” said Traub. “Whitpain will always work cohesively with any neighboring municipalities, elected officials, communities, and businesses to encourage safe driving and pedestrian practices throughout Whitpain.”
Multiple emails to the owner and operators of Phil’s Tavern for comment on the incident were not returned to Wissahickon Now.
The accident remains under investigation. No further details have been released by police. Stay tuned into WissNow.com as more information on the matter will be published as soon as it is made available.
