Woman struck by hit-and-run driver in Tioga-Nicetown dies

PHILADELPHIA - October 10, 2013 (WPVI) -- A female pedestrian who was struck while walking down the street in the Tioga-Nicetown section has died, officials say.

It happened around 11:00 Friday night near the intersection of Clarissa and Brunner streets.

On the busy stretch of roadway, residents say it sounded like two cars collided.

They were surprised to find out a 21-year old-woman had been struck by a car while walking in the bike lane.

"We heard a tremendous thump, noise that just literally vibrated the whole area. We rushed to the corner and the lady was laying in the street," said Mary Nicholas.

Witnesses ran to help the unconscious woman but the driver who hit her didn't stick around and took off northbound on Clarissa Street.

The victim was transported to Temple University Hospital in critical condition but later died from her injuries.

Accident investigators have released surveillance photos of the fleeing vehicle. Witnesses said it was possibly a gray Dodge Avenger.

"I have thankfully never been in a situation like that, I just can't imagine. There's just no way they didn't realize what they had done, no matter how fast they were going," said Nicholas.

Neighbors including Nicholas, who has lived here for 40 years, say they've seen a number of accidents on what is known as a shortcut to Route 1.

There were 25 and 30 mile per hour speed limit signs but Action News found that just about every vehicle on Clarissa Street was going a lot faster.

"We've never been able to get them to put a light out there because we thought that would slow everyone down a little bit and if there were crashes they wouldn't be as bad as what they are but it hadn't been successful," said Nicholas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS (8477), text a tip to PPD TIP (773847) or through PhillyPolice.com.

Get more Local/State »

pedestrian struck, tioga news, nicetown news, philadelphia news, local/state

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•