Crash sends tractor-trailer into house in Mayfair

MAYFAIR (WPVI) -- Two people were hospitalized after a crash sent a tractor-trailer slamming into a home in Philadelphia's Mayfair neighborhood.

It happened around 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Levick and Farnsworth streets.

Police say a tractor-trailer and an SUV collided, sending the truck crashing into the side of a nearby home.

At the scene, crumbled bricks covered the cab of the truck and gaping hole showed untouched furniture in the family room.

Firefighters embraced a woman, who neighbors identified as the homeowner, as she collapsed upon arriving at the scene.

No one was inside the home at the time.

The driver of the truck, a 55-year-old man, and the driver of the SUV, a 28-year-old man, were taken to Aria-Torresdale Hospital for minor injuries.

The mother of the SUV driver rushed to the scene before learning he was taken to the hospital.

"He called me and told me the tractor-trailer had hit him and then ran into the house. I'm from Jersey so I came running over but they said they took him to the hospital. The SUV is totaled, it looks awful," said Brenda Janiszewki.

Firefighters worked quickly to evacuate neighbors and turn off a ruptured gas line.

Then crews were called in to remove the tractor-trailer from the house.

L&I officials will need to assess the condition of the home but residents were allowed to go inside to get some personal belongings.

"We're trying to secure the dwelling so we can remove the tractor-trailer and open up the street, then L&I will have to do a study of the dwelling's condition and go from there," said Deputy Chief Joseph Picozzi.

The truck, which was carrying paper, was only 25 percent full. However there are signs posted in the area that say tractor-trailers are not allowed on that stretch of roadway.

Police say there are conflicting reports about who was at fault in the crash.

The incident remains under investigation.