A 29-year-old man died early Sunday morning following a high-speed crash in Southwest Philadelphia’s 12th Police District, authorities said.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 1:42 a.m. on the 7800 block of Penrose-Ferry Road. According to a preliminary investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department, the victim was driving a 2016 Nissan Rogue eastbound at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a concrete pillar.
The collision caused the vehicle to erupt in flames. A passing motorist, described by police as a Good Samaritan, stopped at the scene and managed to pull the driver from the burning SUV. However, the individual left the scene before police arrived and has not yet been identified.
Philadelphia Fire Department medics responded and transported the victim to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m., less than an hour after the crash.
Investigation underway after early-morning fatality
The identity of the deceased has not been released pending family notification. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, including factors such as speed, road conditions, and potential impairment.
The Philadelphia Police Department’s Crash Investigation Division (CID) is leading the inquiry. Officials have not confirmed whether surveillance footage exists or if additional witnesses have come forward.
Police are asking for the Good Samaritan or any witnesses to contact investigators as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.