Philadelphia

Workers Find Skeleton Wrapped in Clothing at Construction Site in Nicetown-Tioga

Police say a construction company was doing demolition work on the 1700 block of W. Atlantic Street at 3:24 p.m. when workers found partial human remains while digging at the site

A construction crew discovered the remains of a person as they excavated a vacant lot in Philadelphia's Nicetown-Tioga section Tuesday afternoon.

It was the second time in just over a week they found human bones.

Last week, the contractors were digging at the site along the 1700 block of W. Atlantic Street when they came across several bones, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told NBC10.

The crew thought the bones were from an animal, so they continued work.

On Tuesday afternoon, however, the crew found an almost fully intact skeleton that included a skull, rib cage, spine and legs, Small said. The contractors immediately stopped work and called police.

The bones were still wrapped in pink clothing. Based on the skeleton size, Small said the remains could be of a young adult or shorter adult.

Human Remains Nicetown Tioga

In both instances, the remains were discovered about 6 feet underground. The remains could've been there for more than a year, Small said. It's not clear if both sets of bones were from the same skeleton.

The site was the former home to a laundromat. It was demolished late last year.

The Philadelphia Medical Examiner's office collected the remains. They will try to use DNA testing and dental records to identify the person and determine a manner of death, according to Small.

Detectives with Philadelphia Police's Northwest Division are investigating as well.

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