When learning to drive, there’s a lot to study and understand. Laws and ordinances can vary from place to place, but many things are universal. If you hear sirens or see flashing lights from an emergency vehicle, always yield to the right. These kinds of vehicles often travel at high speeds, so it’s important we get out of their way to keep everyone safe. On March 15, 2026, an ambulance in Pennsylvania reportedly failed to turn on its sirens and lights, which likely contributed to a fatal crash around 5 a.m. As investigators looked into the accident, they learned some sad details.
The crash involved a private ambulance.
An unnamed family called 911 about an unresponsive infant in the early morning, WPVI reported. The family left their home on Ditman Street in the Frankford section of Philadelphia before first responders arrived. The infant reportedly was in a private MedStar ambulance driven by her 51-year-old grandfather, who had a long working relationship with MedStar.
The ambulance was involved in a horrific crash.
According to surveillance video obtained by WPVI, the ambulance plowed through the intersection of Torresdale and Harbison Avenues, where it struck a 25-year-old man driving a Honda Accord. The ambulance hit a pole and fell onto its side. The other driver subsequently hit a building.
“It was like several different noises, and I wasn’t sure exactly what it was, and I came outside, and I just saw a bunch of police cars coming into the neighborhood,” Milton Street told WPVI.
Police believe the grandfather was under the influence.
Sadly, it appears the grandfather was speeding while under the influence without using the sirens or lights on the ambulance. When he ran a red light and hit the Honda, it’s likely the other driver didn’t even know that he was coming. NBC 10 obtained a statement from District Attorney Larry Krasner’s office stating no charges had been filed yet.
“A PPD request for charges has not been submitted to the DAO at this time,” the statement reads, in part. “While PPD’s and our forensic and investigative process may take some [time], we are committed to a fair, appropriate and just outcome.”
The cause of the infant’s death remains unclear.
Officials did not release the baby’s cause of death, but they identified her as 2-month-old Marian Harris. Her 33-year-old mother remained hospitalized in critical condition. It’s unclear if the grandfather and the 25-year-old Honda driver had any serious injuries.
The story shocked neighbors who shared their condolences with WPVI. “It’s horrible,” Michelle King said.
Others went to the scene of the accident and could not believe what they saw. “That’s real sad. I had to walk up here to see it for myself,” Leon Starks told the news outlet.
We cannot imagine what this grandfather must have felt in the moment. He probably just wanted to help his grandchild and her mother but made a bad choice. He spent a long time as an ambulance driver, so we have to believe his intentions were good. What a tragedy.
