Teen Fighting For His Life, 3 Others Injured After 71-Year-Old Woman Crashes Car Into South Philadelphia Store, Police Say
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A day of shopping turned frightening in South Philadelphia when an SUV smashed through a storefront Monday. Four people were hurt, including a 16-year-old boy who is fighting for his life.
The teen remains in critical condition after he was hit on the sidewalk, dragged into the store and was trapped under the SUV.
"All the sudden you hear this bang, so I turned around and all you see is the mannequins on the floor, the glass all over the floor but I don't see the little boy," witness Daniel Garcia said.
"I thought it was a gunshot," witness Elaine Dabbundo said.
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But it wasn't a gun. It was a Kia Sportage ramming into the Rainbow Shop in South Philadelphia, trapping a 16-year-old underneath.
"I heard [the boy] moaning and I heard the moan getting lighter and lighter," Dabbundo said.
Dabbundo was inside Rainbow shopping when the SUV crashed into the store around 1:30 p.m. Monday on the 2400 block of South 24th Street.
Garcia was in the area running an errand when he saw the crash, and the good Samaritan sprung into action.
"Once he lifted up the car [using a jack], I guess the position that the boy was in, the blood started coming out," Garcia said.
The teen was rushed to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in critical condition. A 57-year-old, 14-year old and 15-year-old were also taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The 71-year-old woman driving the SUV was attempting to park when she accelerated into the store, police say.
"She was shaken up, she was crying," Dabbundo said.
Those who witnessed the crash say it's something they'll never forget.
"I'm going to be praying for him. He's going to make it. He has to," Garcia said.
The teen suffered injuries to his head and torso. They driver was also taken to the hospital to be evaluated. It's unclear if charges are expected.
