A New York City taxi driver hit a bicyclist and then veered onto the sidewalk, striking pedestrians, authorities said Monday.
Six people, including the cab driver, were taken to the hospital. Three patients were in critical condition, according to the New York Police Department.
The incident happened near the intersection of Broadway and 29th St., about four blocks south of the Empire State Building, about 1 p.m. ET, the Fire Department of New York said.
The collision with the bicyclist appears to have been an accident but is under investigation, Deputy Chief John Chell with the New York Police Department said at a press conference Monday afternoon.
After hitting the bicyclist, the driver of the yellow medallion cab is seen on video slowing down and jumping the curb, and then speeding up, striking two women on the sidewalk and pinning them against a wall, Shell said.
“As this occurs, a remarkable scene took place. About 15-20 New Yorkers attempted to pick this cab off these women,” Shell told reporters.
After striking the pedestrians, the cab crashed into a building, according to the NYPD.
The driver remained on the scene afterward, the authorities said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams called it a terrible tragedy and said the injured were in the city’s prayers.
Two of the victims are from Columbus, Ohio, and two others are from Mexico, Adams said. New York officials were contacting governments where they live to see if they can be of any assistance, he said.
There is a lot of video from the scene, the mayor said. Investigators will also look at stop lights and right-of-way issues, he said.
“We’re going to examine that and come to a full determination of exactly how all this unfolded,” Adams said.
The mayor also thanked those who acted to lift the vehicle after the crash, saying it shows that “during a time of tragedy, New Yorkers step up.”
Phil Helsel contributed.
Source: CNBC News
