A driver fled the scene after striking a Philadelphia 76ers player Saturday night as he was walking in Center City.
Kelly Oubre Jr., 27, was hospitalized with a broken rib and injuries to his hip and right leg, according to police. He was treated at Jefferson University Hospital and reportedly released several hours after the crash.
Authorities said Oubre was walking west on the 1400 block of Spruce Street and crossing Hicks Street at around 7:15 p.m. when a speeding driver turned from Spruce onto Hicks. The driver’s side mirror hit Oubre in his upper chest, police said.
Investigators said the driver was behind the wheel of a silver vehicle, though they did not publicly release any further description or photographs of the car Sunday.
Oubre is in his first season with the Sixers and had been off to a promising start, averaging 16.8 points a game. He entered the starting lineup after the team traded James Harden and P.J. Tucker. Sixers officials have said Oubre’s on-court status will be re-evaluated in a week.
The crash sparked discussion on social media and calls for enhanced pedestrian safety in Philadelphia.
“While shocking, this incident is a reminder that traffic violence can happen to anyone,” City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas said Sunday on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We must get serious about this issue to protect all Philadelphians.”
