Police say a privately operated ambulance ran a red light early Sunday, causing a crash that killed an infant and critically injured the child’s mother.
Philadelphia, PA – An infant was killed and the child’s mother critically injured after a privately operated ambulance crashed into another vehicle early Sunday morning in Northeast Philadelphia.
The two-vehicle crash occurred around 5:15 a.m. in the 5200 block of Torresdale Avenue at the intersection with Harbison Avenue, according to preliminary information released by investigators.
Key Points
• An infant died and the child’s mother was critically injured in a two-vehicle crash on Torresdale Avenue
• Police say a private ambulance ran a red light while traveling at a high rate of speed without lights or sirens
• The ambulance driver is expected to face DUI and related charges
Crash occurred at Torresdale Avenue and Harbison Avenue
Investigators said the privately operated ambulance was traveling southbound on Torresdale Avenue at a high rate of speed and was not operating in emergency status at the time of the crash.
Police said the ambulance proceeded through a steady red traffic signal at the intersection with Harbison Avenue without lights or sirens activated.
At the same time, a 2010 Honda Accord traveling eastbound on Harbison Avenue with a green signal entered the intersection and was struck on the driver’s side front door by the ambulance.
Infant and mother ejected from ambulance
Authorities said the force of the crash caused both the infant and the child’s mother, who was a passenger in the ambulance, to be ejected through the front windshield.
Both victims were found on the roadway when emergency responders arrived.
Philadelphia Fire Department medics transported the two to Albert Einstein Medical Center.
The infant, identified as Marian Harris, was pronounced dead at 6:17 a.m. The mother suffered severe head trauma and was listed in critical condition.
Family was attempting to rush infant to hospital
Police said officers had initially been responding to a separate call involving an unresponsive infant at a residence on the 6600 block of Ditman Street.
Before officers arrived, family members reportedly left the home in a privately operated ambulance in an attempt to transport the infant to the hospital.
Drivers involved in crash
The driver of the Honda Accord, a 25-year-old man, refused medical treatment at the scene.
Police transported the ambulance driver, a 51-year-old man who was operating a white 2014 Mercedes-Benz ambulance, to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital.
Authorities said the ambulance operator will face charges including DUI and related offenses.
Investigation continues
The Philadelphia Police Department’s Crash Investigation Division is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Officials said the information released so far remains preliminary and could change as investigators gather additional details.
