Kensington, Philadelphia, PA — March 18, 2025, a woman was killed in a pedestrian versus hit-and-run truck accident shortly after 4:30 p.m. along Cambria Street.

The rental truck was apparently involved in a previous car accident in the vicinity of the Kensington and Allegheny Avenue intersection, but was allegedly in the act of fleeing the scene when the following accident occurred.

After turning down Cambria Street, the rental truck reportedly failed to maintain its lane of travel. Officials indicate that it left the roadway, going up on the curb where it struck a female pedestrian who had been on the sidewalk and crashed through a fence. Reports state that it did not come to a stop until after colliding with a residential building.

The person who had been behind the wheel of the rental truck then fled the second accident scene on foot, but authorities say they were apprehended approximately two blocks away. There had apparently been a passenger in the hit-and-run truck who was also apprehended, according to reports.

The woman who had been struck reportedly suffered fatal injuries due to the collision. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a rental truck strikes and kills a pedestrian while fleeing the scene of another crash, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling accident cases, wrecks like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

Why was the rental truck fleeing the first crash? Hit-and-run drivers often leave the scene due to panic, impairment, or an attempt to avoid responsibility. Investigators should determine whether the driver was under the influence, unlicensed, or engaged in other illegal activity that might explain why they attempted to escape. Reviewing toxicology reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage could provide clarity.

Why did the truck leave the roadway? Rental trucks handle differently than passenger vehicles, and an inexperienced or reckless driver can easily lose control. Investigators need to determine whether excessive speed, distraction, or mechanical failure contributed to the driver veering onto the sidewalk. Reviewing crash scene evidence, vehicle damage reports, and black box data could help clarify the cause.

Who was responsible for the truck’s operation? Unlike commercial trucking companies that have strict hiring and training requirements, rental trucks can be driven by nearly anyone with a standard driver’s license. Investigators should determine whether the driver was legally allowed to operate the vehicle and whether the rental company had any record of prior issues with the individuals involved. Reviewing rental agreements and customer history could provide insight into whether the truck was rented fraudulently or negligently provided to an unqualified driver.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity they deserve.