Cops: Driver `Huffing¿ In Fatal Crash

UPPER DARBY, Pa. - A woman who ran over a teen at a local hospital was on drugs at the time of the crash, Upper Darby police said on Wednesday.

Police say Rachel Jankins was “huffing” and using marijuana at the time of the fatal crash, according to toxicology reports.

Huffing is the use of inhalants to get high. A can of "Dust Off" was found in the car.

Police said they were able to get blood work done within 20 minutes of the accident.

Jankins of Havertown told police on August 14 that she was reaching for an iPod in Drexel Hill when she lost control of her car and hit Nicole Gallo, 19, of Clifton Heights.

Gallo died instantly and Gallo’s friend, Christine Bochanski, 20, of Lansdowne, was injured.

Gallo and Bochanski were walking out of Delaware County Memorial Hospital when they were hit by Jankins’ car.

"She was whacked out when she was driving the car. Period. The kid did not have to die," said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood. "She was high and she was under the influence and she was incapable of operating a motor vehicle."

Jankins was driving on Lansdowne Avenue when she lost control of her 2003 Hyundai Accent, crossed two lanes of traffic, traveled up onto the sidewalk for 30 feet, and struck the women.

"Her claim is, she was reaching down for the iPod, wasn't paying attention, and lost control of the car," Chitwood said. He called the accident "a tragedy that happened because of stupidity and inattentive driving."

The case now goes to the District Attorney's Office. The driver is expected to be charged with vehicular homicide.