PHILADELPHIA, PA — A devastating crash on Interstate 95 in Northeast Philadelphia has left two men dead and two others critically injured, after a high-speed incident caused a vehicle to plunge off the elevated highway onto the roadway below. The accident, which occurred Friday night, has sparked a major investigation by state authorities and renewed concerns about road safety on one of Pennsylvania’s busiest traffic corridors.
According to officials, the crash took place around 8:25 p.m. near Castor Avenue and Richmond Street in the Port Richmond section of the city. Witnesses and law enforcement sources say two vehicles were traveling at excessive speeds along the northbound lanes of I-95 when one vehicle — a Mazda — struck a barrier, flipped over, and fell off the highway.
Inspector D.F. Pace of the Philadelphia Police Department confirmed the harrowing details, stating, “Two vehicles were traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on I-95 when one lost control and fell to the roadway below.”
One man was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead on the scene. A second passenger was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Two others inside the vehicle sustained critical injuries and were transported to local medical facilities. Their current condition remains unknown, but officials indicated their injuries are life-threatening.
Aerial footage from Chopper 3 revealed the shocking aftermath — the wrecked Mazda was seen lying on its side with emergency response teams, including fire trucks, police vehicles, and medics, surrounding the site. First responders worked under flashing lights to secure the area, render aid, and remove the damaged vehicle.
In a statement released later that night, Philadelphia Police confirmed that one of the deceased victims was a 22-year-old man. The full identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The vehicle involved was identified as a Mazda, which hit a guardrail barrier before overturning and careening off the highway.
Because the crash originated on a stretch of I-95 under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania State Police, the state’s Crash Investigation Division has taken the lead in the inquiry. Inspector Pace explained, “Interstate 95 is the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania State Police. That is why since this accident originated on I-95, the state police have the incident and not the Philadelphia Police. The state police have everything under control. Philadelphia Police Department is only acting in a support role, and will offer any assistance that we can.”
The crash prompted an unscheduled closure of I-95 northbound between Exit 26 (Betsy Ross Bridge/Aramingo Avenue) and Exit 27 (Bridge Street), which remained shut down for hours as investigators worked to gather evidence and clear the scene. The road closure led to extensive traffic delays, forcing drivers to take detours and avoid the area. Officials urged motorists to consult resources like pa511.com for the latest traffic updates.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet indicated whether drugs, alcohol, or reckless driving were involved, but speeding is believed to be a major contributing factor. Witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage are being encouraged to come forward and assist with the ongoing probe.
This tragic incident has left a mark on the local community, especially in the Port Richmond and Northeast Philadelphia areas, where residents expressed sorrow and concern over the loss of young lives. The fatal crash serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of excessive speed and reckless driving.
Highway safety advocates are urging state and city officials to continue investing in speed control measures and public awareness campaigns, noting that the elevated design of I-95 poses additional risks when drivers do not follow safety regulations.
As loved ones grieve and two survivors fight for their lives, the community is left searching for answers — and hoping that stronger enforcement and awareness can help prevent future tragedies on this major transportation artery.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Crash Investigation Division.
