Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. fractured a rib in a hit-and-run accident on Saturday night in Center City, Philadelphia. The accident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Hicks and Spruce Streets. Oubre was crossing the street when he was struck by a silver vehicle that fled the scene.
Oubre was transported to Jefferson University Hospital, where he was treated and released. The team announced on Sunday that Oubre would be sidelined for an indefinite period of time.
🚘The Accident
According to police reports, Oubre was crossing Hicks Street as he walked west on Spruce Street when he was struck by a silver vehicle that was traveling west on Spruce at a high speed. The vehicle's driver-side mirror struck Oubre in the chest, knocking him to the ground. The vehicle then fled the scene.
Oubre was treated by paramedics at the scene and then transported to Jefferson University Hospital. He was released from the hospital a few hours later with a fractured rib and injuries to his hip and right leg.
🚔Police Investigation👮♂️
The Philadelphia Police Department is currently investigating the hit-and-run accident. They are asking anyone with information about the accident or the vehicle involved to contact them.
🏀Impact on the Sixers
Oubre's injury is a major blow to the Sixers. He is one of the team's best perimeter defenders and a key member of the second unit. Oubre was averaging 16.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in eight games with the Sixers before the accident.
The Sixers will now have to turn to other players to fill Oubre's void. Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle are likely to see increased minutes in Oubre's absence. Isaiah Joe and Furkan Korkmaz could also see more playing time.
🏀Conclusion
The hit-and-run accident that injured Kelly Oubre is a reminder of the dangers of crossing the street. Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians should also be aware of their surroundings and use crosswalks whenever possible.
We wish Kelly Oubre a speedy recovery and hope that the police are able to apprehend the driver who fled the scene of the accident.