1 dead, 1 critical after head-on crash in Northeast Philadelphia

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- One person is dead and another critically injured after 2 vehicles crashed head-on in front of a school in Northeast Philadelphia.

The accident happened early Wednesday at the intersection of Cottman and Algon Avenues.

One car ended up on the lawn of Northeast High School. Students walked by the wreckage Wednesday morning on their way to class.

"It was scary," said one. "I've never seen anything like that."

Investigators say a 2014 Nissan Altima driven by a 66-year-old man was heading east on Cottman around 4:00 a.m.

A 21-year-old woman was behind the wheel of a 2001 Toyota Corolla going north on Algon. The cars hit each other head on.

The woman was ejected through the driver's side window and found beneath a vehicle. The Nissan careened through the school fence.

Police believe one of the drivers may have run a red light. The road was closed to traffic, but students were still able to get into the school.

"The bus usually comes down here at Cottman and Algon and they dropped us off here at the Toyota section," said senior Asia Smith. "I just saw it."

The streets department was out making sure the road was safe for travel before they re-opened it almost five hours after the accident.

The crash remains under investigation, but police told Action News it appear fog played a role.