Driver Plunges into Delaware River Fleeing Scene of Crash

Police say the man, who was later pronounced dead at Jefferson, was fleeing the scene of a car crash at Fourth and Arch.

A man fleeing the scene of a car crash at Fourth and Arch streets drove his car into the Delaware River, police say. He sped down a bridge connecting the Chestnut Street Bridge to Columbus Boulevard, went over a barrier and flipped into the river. The incident happened last night at around 6 p.m.

Bystanders who live in the Pier 3 condominiums dove into the river in an attempt to rescue the man. The driver, later identified as 25-year-old Marc Oliverio, of South Philadelphia, was pronounced dead an hour later.

Police told the Inquirer there were no skid marks, meaning the brakes either failed or were not applied.

“He went right across a pedestrian ramp. Thank God there was no function going on. If that ramp would have been crowded this would have been a lot worse,” said Battalion Chief Robert Clark told Fox 29.

[Fox 29 | Inquirer]