Driver killed in crash involving Pa. troopers after making illegal turn near Penn's Landing

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- One person is dead after a crash involving a Pennsylvania State Police cruiser near Philadelphia's Penn's Landing.

It happened around 1:30 a.m. on Friday at the intersection of Columbus Blvd. and Race Street near the Holiday Inn Express, next to the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Police say the driver of a Mazda pickup truck made an illegal left U-turn onto Columbus Blvd, heading toward Race Street, putting the truck into the path of the oncoming troopers.

The troopers were unable to avoid a collision and struck the Mazda on the passenger side.

The driver of the truck, who police say was the lone occupant, died in the crash.

Rashid Izzard, a witness who does security near the scene of the crash, recorded cell phone video before emergency help arrived.

He said the collision was frightening to hear.

"Like a bomb, that's how hard he hit 'em. I'm surprised nothing blew up," Izzard recalled.

He said the trooper who was driving was disoriented after the crash, and that the trooper in the passenger seat appeared injured and had to be helped away.

The two troopers were taken to Jefferson Hospital for treatment and have since been released, officials said.

Employees of a nearby hotel said they saw the overturned pickup on top of the victims. They said this wasn't the first fatal crash in this area.

"This one was right in front of our job and one of us witnessed one of the people that had passed away, so it's kind of traumatizing," said Gabe Griffin.

"Extremely sad. My heart goes out to whoever that was and their families. It's a very sad situation," added Aaliyah Horn.

There is also a second scene about a mile south on Columbus Blvd.

Action News has been told that a stolen car slammed into a light post along the bike path on Columbus Blvd.

Two suspects were taken into custody, according to sources.

State Police said the troopers involved in the crash were on their way to assist fellow officers with the stolen car crash when the "unavoidable collision" occurred.

Authorities say their police lights were on when the crash took place.

Troopers have not released any further information on the stolen crash or what led up to the incident.

Columbus Blvd. is open to traffic in both directions.

Now, residents say they are more wary of the intersection.

"I'd say when you're crossing here, you're just waiting for the signals, you're not just looking," noted Maria Whitebread from South Philadelphia.

"I'm always careful when I cross, because you do see people coming through here quickly," added Frank from South Philadelphia.