At a Glance
- One person died when three vehicles collided on Lincoln Drive late Thursday night
- The crash occurred between Gypsy Lane and Henry Avenue around 9:30 p.m.
- SkyForce10 footage showed extensive damage to all three cars
- Why it matters: The deadly wreck closed a major commuter route and left investigators searching for answers
A fatal three-car crash shut down a stretch of Lincoln Drive in Philadelphia on Thursday night, according to the police department.
The collision claimed one life and left the normally busy roadway littered with twisted metal shortly before 9:30 p.m. on January 15, investigators said.
Crash Scene Details
Emergency crews responded to the 7300 block of Lincoln Drive between Gypsy Lane and Henry Avenue after reports of a multi-vehicle accident.
SkyForce10 arrived overhead around 10 p.m. and captured aerial footage showing:
- Three cars with severe front-end and side damage
- A firetruck positioned near the wreckage
- Debris scattered across both lanes of the roadway
- Multiple emergency vehicles with lights flashing
The force of the impact crumpled hoods, shattered windshields, and left at least one vehicle facing the wrong direction on the two-lane road that cuts through Wissahickon Valley Park.
Investigation Underway
Police have not yet determined what caused the crash or which driver may have been at fault.
Investigators remained on scene through the night examining skid marks, vehicle positions, and damage patterns to reconstruct the sequence of events.
The Philadelphia Police Accident Investigation District is handling the case. They have not released:
- The identity of the person killed
- The conditions of any other drivers or passengers
- Whether speed, impairment, or road conditions played a role
- If any citations will be filed
Road Closure Impact
Lincoln Drive, a key connector between Roxborough and Center City, was closed in both directions for several hours while crews cleared the wreckage.
The closure forced commuters to detour onto alternate routes including Ridge Avenue and Germantown Pike during the evening rush.
Traffic was restored by early Friday morning, though the investigation continues.
Ongoing Coverage
News Of Philadelphia first reported the fatal crash based on police scanner traffic and SkyForce10 footage. The story remains active as authorities work to notify family members and determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Accident Investigation District.
Key Takeaways
- One person died in a three-car crash on Lincoln Drive Thursday night
- The accident happened between Gypsy Lane and Henry Avenue around 9:30 p.m.
- Police have not determined what caused the collision
- The roadway has since reopened to traffic
