Dimple Patel turns himself in to police after fatal accident on I-95 in March

PHILADELPHIA – Two people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on a busy Philadelphia street. According to police, the drunk driver responsible turned himself in to authorities months later.

Dimple Patel was charged last week with intoxicated manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and related offenses.

The charges stem from a fatal accident on I-95 North near the Betsy Ross Bridge in the early morning hours of March 3.

According to police, Patel was driving too fast and had her hands free when she rammed the back of another vehicle, causing a four-vehicle collision.

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Aktilek Baktybekov and Tolobek Esenbekov were both hit and killed by Patel's vehicle.

According to police, Esenbekov pulled over to the right to help Baktybekov, whose vehicle had broken down on the shoulder and partially in the left lane.

At the time of the accident, Baktybekov was standing on the road while Esenbekov was just getting out of his vehicle.

Months later, Patel was charged in connection with the accident and turned herself in to Pennsylvania State Police on Tuesday morning.

An NTSB spokesman said they are conducting an investigation in parallel with state police because of the use of partially automated vehicle technology.

In a statement, the Pennsylvania State Police said: “The Pennsylvania State Police urges drivers to remain alert and avoid distractions at all times while driving. No partially automated vehicle technology should ever be able to take over alone the driving tasks required to safely navigate the Commonwealth's roadways. While technological advances are immense, you should always strive to maintain proper control of your vehicle. When driving hands-free, be alert and prepared to regain control if the situation requires your immediate response.”

David Aylor, vice president of active safety at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, says they have been monitoring the systems and safety precautions in place for drivers.

“The most important thing for us is to make sure that these systems involve the driver and make them understand that they are not driving fully autonomously and that they are responsible for monitoring the environment and the situation around them,” he said. “If you look at the various causes of deaths in our country, like drunk driving, speeding and unbelted occupants, those are three big problems and none of these systems are going to solve those problems. So those are problems that we really need to address as a society.”

Zak Goldstein, Dimple Patel's lawyer, says the allegations are still under investigation.

“Ms. Patel turned herself in this morning as requested and is presumed innocent,” he said in a text message to FOX 29's Kelly Rule. “The deaths are obviously a tragedy. It has been widely reported that state police have stated the vehicle was self-driving, so we are certainly looking into that. We look forward to resolving this matter in court.”