Police are eyeing street racing as the cause of a fiery crash at a Bensalem auto parts shop that killed one woman and seriously injured two other people last night.
Officers responded to Driver’s Choice, Inc. on the 3100 block of Lincoln Highway shortly before 10:30 p.m. for a report of a one-vehicle accident involving a 2000 Volvo sedan.
Witnesses, including an off-duty police officer, told investigators that the car had been speeding in the northbound lanes of Lincoln Highway while racing a white Ford Crown Victoria just before the violent crash. Authorities believe that at some point during the alleged race, the Volvo veered off the highway and into the parking lot of Driver’s Choice. There, the car smashed into the business’ sign, rolled over several times and burst into flames.
A female backseat passenger died inside the car, police said. The driver and a second passenger who was riding in the front seat were ejected during the crash and rushed to Aria-Torresdale Hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries is currently unknown. None of the victims’ identities have yet been released pending family notification.
After conducting a preliminary investigation of the accident, investigators said they do not believe alcohol was a contributing factor. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Bensalem Township Police at 215-633-3719.
