Police search for driver in fatal hit-and-run on Broad Street in North Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are searching for a driver who fatally struck a man on North Broad Street and fled the scene Thursday night.

The incident happened near the intersection of Lehigh Avenue around 10:30 p.m., investigators said.

Police said it is unclear if the 35-year-old victim was in the street or on the sidewalk.

"It's horrible someone got hit and killed. God rest his soul," said Sharef Holman from North Philadelphia.

Pieces of the car were in the street next to a Sunoco gas station.

That gas station released surveillance footage of ambulances and a fire truck rushing to the chaotic scene.

Crash investigators said that the car believed to be connected to the hit-and-run was found at 8th and Cumberland streets, but the driver was long gone.

That person left the maroon Toyota SUV in the middle of the street.

It had heavy front-end damage on the passenger side and a smashed windshield.

The driver's side also had damage, but it's unclear what else the car may have run into.

People familiar with the area told Action News that Broad Street is like a race track at night.

"You see for yourself how fast they be going. They don't stop and it's a shame that my man got killed," said Robert Parker from North Philadelphia.

Experts say 2022 was the deadliest year for pedestrians in Philadelphia. According to the 6abc Data Journalism Team, 27 people were killed in crashes at intersections in the city.

Since 2018, there were 92 pedestrian fatalities in Philadelphia, with the deadliest intersection being Roosevelt Boulevard and Harbison Avenue.

Police have not yet identified the 35-year-old victim in this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police.

RELATED: Check the 6abc Neighborhood Safety Tracker