Two people are dead, and seven others have been injured after a suspected drunk driver plowed his vehicle into a park on the Lower East Side of New York City, police said Thursday night.
The Fire Department of New York arrived on the scene within three minutes and found four victims pinned under a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck, officials said.
FDNY worked alongside NYPD’s emergency services unit to remove the patients from under the vehicle, according to the authorities.
Two victims were pronounced deceased, police said. Two victims were left in critical condition, three victims in serious condition, and two victims with non-life-threatening injuries, according to officials.
Among those hospitalized are a mother and her two young children, police said.
First responders smelled alcohol at the scene, police said. Tests are being conducted to determine whether the driver was intoxicated during the incident, they added.
The driver, who is suspected of drunk driving, was pinned down by good Samaritans and held until police arrived on the scene, officials said.
Authorities said that terrorism is not suspected at this time, although the investigation is ongoing.
On the Fourth of July, a day typically associated with celebrations and fireworks, tragedy struck in New York City’s Central Park. Two people were killed and seven others were injured after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a group of pedestrians in the popular park.
The incident occurred in the early evening as families and friends gathered to enjoy the holiday festivities. Witnesses reported seeing a car speeding through the park before plowing into a crowd of people near a popular picnic area. The driver, who was later identified as a 35-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The impact of the crash was devastating, with two individuals pronounced dead at the scene and seven others rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries. The victims ranged in age from children to adults, adding to the sense of shock and grief felt by those who witnessed the tragic event.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, looking into the driver’s blood alcohol level and any other factors that may have contributed to the accident. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the importance of staying vigilant on the roads, especially during holidays when alcohol consumption tends to be higher.
In response to the tragedy, city officials have called for increased awareness and enforcement of drunk driving laws, as well as urging individuals to make responsible choices when it comes to alcohol consumption. The community has also come together to offer support and condolences to the families of the victims, with vigils and memorials planned in their honor.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns the loss of two lives, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving. It is a reminder to always prioritize safety on the roads and to never underestimate the potential harm that can result from irresponsible behavior behind the wheel.
