Driver dies after SUV goes into Philly river

Authorities say a driver fleeing a Philadelphia traffic accident died after his sport utility vehicle plunged into the Delaware River.

Police said the vehicle struck several parked cars just north of Old City on Monday evening and then fled.

Officials said the SUV was on an underpass at Penn’s Landing when it went up a grassy incline, crashed through a metal fence and landed in the river shortly before 6 p.m. Monday.

A fire department official said a police officer and two onlookers jumped into the river and tried to get the driver out of the car, but were unable to do so.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Divers got him out and took him to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name hasn’t been released.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal