2 shot on crowded playground in West Oak Lane

WEST OAK LANE (WPVI) -- Authorities say two people were shot on a crowded playground in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia.

It happened around 4:45 Wednesday afternoon at Simons Rec Center in the 1600 block of East Walnut Lane.

Officials say there were upwards of 50 people on the playground at the time.

"We know at the time of the shooting, at 4:45 in the afternoon, the Simon's playground had about 50 people. There were about 20-30 teens and young adults playing on the basketball court, there were also tender-age children with their parents on the playgrounds," said Chief Inspector Scott Small, Philadelphia Police.

One of the victims, an 18-year-old male, was shot in the groin. He's listed in critical condition at Einstein Medical Center.

A second victim, an 19-year-old male, was hit in the thigh. He's listed in stable condition, also at Einstein.

Police had been at the playground only 10 minutes earlier to break up a large fight.

A large number of officers rushed to the same scene on Sunday night to break up a fight between as many as 100 girls.

In Wednesday's incident, investigators say 11 shell casings from two semi-automatic weapons were found at the scene.

Worried parents came looking for their children, understandably upset at the news that someone would fire shots at a playground.

"It's a sad thing, It's very sad, very sad and it's like we don't have anywhere else to send them, you know, we're trying to keep them off the streets," said Tee Williams.

"The kids were supposed to be at cheer practice today and they cancelled the practice because of all this craziness going on," said Shanta Johnson.

Two males were reportedly seen fleeing after the shooting but police do not have a suspect description.

The shooting remains under investigation.