A high-speed race between two vehicles on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, turned fatal on Friday night, March 21. A vehicle veered off an elevated section of the highway, crashing onto the street below, resulting in the deaths of two New Jersey brothers and critically injuring their two siblings.
Pennsylvania State Police identified the deceased as Aaron Davis, 23, from East Windsor, New Jersey, and Joshua Davis, 22, from Cranbury, New Jersey. They were in the backseat of a 2006 Mazda when it fell from the overpass. Their younger brothers, Nathaniel and Benjamin Davis, both 18, were in the front seats. Benjamin has since been discharged from the hospital, while Nathaniel remains under medical care.
According to witness accounts gathered by investigators, the Mazda was racing a Dodge Challenger along the northbound lanes of I-95 when the driver lost control near Castor Avenue. The car hit a guardrail, flipped several times, and fell about 20 to 30 feet onto Castor Avenue near Richmond Street in the Port Richmond area of Philadelphia.
Aaron and Joshua Davis, who were not wearing seatbelts, were ejected during the rollover and declared dead on the scene. A puppy that was also in the backseat was ejected and found deceased.
Philadelphia Police Inspector D. F. Pace stated that emergency responders arrived at the crash site before 8:30 p.m. on Friday.
While Philadelphia police initially responded to the accident, the investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania State Police because the incident started on Interstate 95.
The Pennsylvania State Police Crash Investigation Division is continuing its investigation into the fatal crash. They have requested any witnesses to come forward with additional information, especially regarding the Dodge Challenger reportedly racing with the Mazda before the crash.
The senior pastor of Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, shared on social media that the family has been a part of the church community for many years. Pastor Donald Hilliard stated, “The Cathedral church is in deep mourning. These children were born into our church. I christened them, I baptized them, and they need our prayers, and we need to pray for those who are grieving.”
No other motorists or pedestrians were injured in the crash, which remains under active investigation by state authorities.
