Video captures moment SUV collides with ambulance in Northeast Philadelphia

Just as the ambulance comes into view of the camera it is hit broadside by an SUV.

Saturday, April 15, 2023
Video captures moment SUV collides with ambulance in Northeast Philadelphia
Video captures moment SUV collides with ambulance in Northeast Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- An ambulance on the way to an emergency call was hit broadside by an SUV that, sources say, was being pursued by police on Friday morning in Northeast Philadelphia.

The crash happened around 10:30 a.m. at E. Cheltenham Ave. and Saul Street.

In video obtained by Action News, the ambulance's siren can be heard just moments before it is hit broadside by an SUV.

The ambulance is pushed off the road and onto the sidewalk, nearly tipping onto its side.

"The ambulance jumped up a little bit before it came to the side of my house," said witness Nina Vidal Rios.

The EMTs inside the smashed ambulance, a 42-year-old man and 51-year-old woman, were hurt. The female medic suffered broken ribs and a broken leg.

"She did seem scared and she kept telling the gentleman to not leave her alone, to stay with her," said Vidal Rios.

The SUV driver was also injured.

This raw video shows an ambulance crash on Friday in Northeast Philadelphia.

No patients were inside the ambulance at the time.

Sources say a marked squad car was in pursuit of the SUV, which was reported stolen. Sources also tell Action News officers found a gun and drugs inside the vehicle.

"I did see them searching the car and I did see guns," said a witness who did not want to be identified.

The 27-year-old man driving the SUV is facing charges. He is in the hospital and under police watch.

His name has not been released.