Police Release Information On Fatal Kensington Crash That Killed 3-Year-Old
by Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police are releasing more information about a Monday night fatal accident in the Kensington section that may have been caused by excessive speed.
Captain Patrick Kelly, the Commanding Officer of the Accident Investigation District, says at this point, they don't know whether a dark-colored Honda and a Silver Accord were drag racing.
"Both cars are traveling at a high rate of speed," said Kelly.
They were on North 2nd Street, at West York Street, when a 17-year-old in the silver sedan struck another car going westbound on York.
That third vehicle, with a mother, grandmother, and child aboard, which had a green light, spun around, and struck a fire hydrant.
The rear passenger, three-year old Esther Palmer, was ejected through the rear door window.
Kelly says the victim's mom says her little girl was buckled into the child car seat.
"She could have been ejected from the car seat. We don't know whether she was buckled in properly or not. It's going to be part of our investigation," Kelly said.
The young girl died of massive head trauma and other internal injuries.
A front seat passenger, the victim's 64-year-old grandmother is hospitalized in bad shape. Kelly says the operator of the striking vehicle is cooperating.
"I believe he has retained an attorney. He's not been charged," said Kelly.
The driver of the dark-colored vehicle drove away. His late 90's Accord has damage either to the windshield area or driver's side roof. Police hope he turns himself in for questioning.