1 Dead, 3 Hospitalized Following Fatal Crash in Norristown; Community Calls for Safer Streets
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — A devastating crash at a busy Norristown intersection claimed the life of a man and left three others hospitalized Sunday, prompting renewed calls from residents for improved road safety.
The crash occurred around 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of Dekalb and Basin Streets, a stretch locals say is notorious for speeding and reckless driving. Investigators say a family of three was crossing the intersection in their vehicle when a speeding driver slammed into them, causing a violent impact.
“I was just coming up the street when I heard the impact. It was crazy,” said Robert Young, a Norristown resident who witnessed the aftermath. “You could hear the screeching that sounded like brakes and then you heard the accident,” added another resident, Shawn Williams.
Tragically, the father in the struck vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife was transported to Temple Hospital with serious injuries, and their child was taken to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for treatment. The driver of the other vehicle was also hospitalized, though the extent of their injuries is unknown.
Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved, and it remains unclear what charges, if any, the driver may face.
“It’s unfortunate — you’re just going about your day, and this happens,” said Brenae Austin, a nearby resident. “That kid doesn’t have a father anymore.”
The incident has reignited local frustration about dangerous driving on Dekalb Street. Residents say drag racing, failure to obey stop signs, and high-speed driving are frequent issues in the area.
“This road is dangerous. It’s only 25 mph here, but people treat it like a highway,” Young emphasized. “Kids are up and down here all the time.”
Shockingly, just hours later, a second crash occurred near the same intersection at approximately 5:00 p.m. Though details of the second crash are still emerging, neighbors say it’s further proof that something must be done.
“Dekalb Street is very crazy. This intersection, especially,” said Dawn Lawrence, who lives nearby. “People are always drag racing. Nobody stops at stop signs.”
“People who are thinking about driving up Dekalb Street — slow down! There’s nowhere to go that fast,” pleaded Williams.
Norristown police continue to investigate both crash scenes. Meanwhile, the community grieves the loss of life and pushes for urgent changes before more lives are lost.
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