Watch CBS News

Police ID 3 Victims Who Died In NE Philly Crash

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Philadelphia police say three people are dead and two others are injured after an accident in the Bustleton section of the city late Wednesday night.

This happened near Red Lion Road and Sandmeyer Lane just before midnight.

Police identified all of the victims who died in the crash Friday morning. Authorities say 17-year-old Yvette Gonzalez and 17-year-old Sabrina Rhoads were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials say the third victim, 20-year-old Felip Hernandez, from New Jersey, was located trapped inside the vehicle and also pronounced dead at the scene.

One victim's aunt spoke to Eyewitness News.

"Always smiling, always happy and this was totally unexpected," said Karen Bucca-Lee.

No words can describe the heartache Karen Lee is feeling after learning her niece, Sabrina Rhoads, was killed in the crash.

Police said five people were traveling in a 2007 Acura at a high speed  when the driver lost control and struck a tree, splitting the car in half and ejecting Sabrina and Yvette Hernandez.

Family and friends came to the scene to pay their respects.

"Sad... I'm praying for these families," said friend Nicole Cambito.

A 17-year-old boy was also critically injured and taken to Jefferson.

Police said the 20-year-old driver left the scene and showed up to a hospital hours later.

Investigators believe speed is the cause of the crash and surveillance video shows another vehicle driving close the car before it hit the tree.

"They were both going fast. They were going at a fast speed but I don't know if they were exactly racing but they were certainly going fast, too fast for those conditions too fast for that roadway," said Philadelphia Police Captain John Wilczynski.

"They're young we've all made mistakes. We've all been there and I get it and I don't blame anybody," said Bucca-Lee.

Sabrina was one of eight children.

She was heading into her senior year at George Washington High School.

Her aunt says she was considering a career in nursing or teaching. Now, those dreams were shattered in a matter of moments.

"She was just excited about what was to come after high school and schools to go to. And what goals in life she had set, I just want everyone to know she was a good person," said Bucca-Lee.

The 17-year-old victim in critical condition at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital suffered severe head, leg and pelvic injuries.

The driver is being treated at Albert Einstein Medical Center.

It is too early to determine if the driver will face any charges.

Police say the investigation could go on for weeks or months, but their focus is to find the driver of the other vehicle and ask them questions.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.