Hit-and-run crash leaves woman dead in Philadelphia; suspects sought

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are investigating after a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Philadelphia Sunday night.

It happened just after 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of North 5th Street and West Indiana Avenue in the city's Fairhill neighborhood.

Police say the driver of a silver Hyundai Sonata was speeding and driving recklessly before hitting the 42-year-old woman.

The driver then turned left onto West Indiana Avenue.

Investigators believe the driver attempted to swerve around the victim but struck her instead. The driver then reportedly continued down the sidewalk, where the car hit a pillar and several parked cars.

Witnesses told Action News the force of the crash sent the woman flying in the air before she hit the sidewalk.

"She flew up in the air like 10 feet high. And it was really crazy, like some movie stuff I seen. I never seen nothing like this in my life," said the witness who asked to remain anonymous. "It hurt my stomach so bad from seeing this kind of situation."

The pedestrian was transported to Temple University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

There is no word yet on her identity.

Officers recovered the badly damaged Hyundai at the scene.

Police and several witnesses said two to three men jumped out of the car and fled the area on foot after the crash.

Officers did try to pursue the suspects but they got away, police said.

Authorities also said a gun and drugs were found inside the car, which is registered out of Lancaster County. Police also said the car has not been reported stolen.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the police at 215-686-TIPS (8477).