A police officer who was on patrol in the area saw a white SUV traveling at a high rate of speed at Kensington and East Allegheny avenues around 2:45 a.m. Tuesday.
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Police say the SUV jumped a curb and then struck three pedestrians who were on the sidewalk.
The SUV then hit the turnstile at SEPTA's Allegheny Station before crashing into the station itself and catching on fire.
"It sounded like a bomb went off and everyone started running away," witness Ariana Kmecak told Action News. "Once it settled down, people started walking closer towards it. Then they saw the car so they started running over."
Police say the male driver of the SUV was killed.
Two pedestrians, a male and female, were pronounced dead at the scene.
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"There is a male body right in front of the vehicle. That body is clearly decapitated. The body is clearly mangled and appears to be somewhat burned," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
A third pedestrian, a 53-year-old male, was taken to Temple University Hospital with serious injuries. He is listed in stable condition.
Authorities say they have surveillance video showing the crash.
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A large crack can be seen on the brick wall of the SEPTA station.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections has been called to check the structural damage at the station.
SEPTA service at the station has resumed, officials said.