A harrowing incident unfolded on a bustling Manhattan street near Grand Central Terminal, as a stolen SUV collided with a group of pedestrians on the sidewalk. The incident occurred during the busy afternoon rush hour, leaving 10 people injured. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that all the victims were expected to recover from their injuries.
The chaotic scene took place at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and East 42nd Street in Midtown, a bustling area that includes prominent landmarks like the Chrysler Building and the Hyatt Grand Central New York Hotel. As the authorities held an evening news conference at the site, they revealed that the most severe injury reported was a fractured ankle, as stated by both police and fire officials.
The series of unfortunate events began when the police were alerted by a license plate scanner, indicating that the SUV in question was stolen. At approximately 5:30 p.m., officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, which initially seemed to comply with the request. However, things quickly took a dangerous turn when the SUV accelerated, first colliding with a bicyclist and a taxi before mounting the sidewalk and striking pedestrians while executing a U-turn on Lexington Avenue.
After the shocking incident, the SUV continued in the wrong direction on Lexington Avenue, leading to a head-on collision with another vehicle. Despite the chaotic chain of events, it was fortunate that the SUV’s speed remained relatively low due to the heavy traffic in the area.
The driver of the stolen SUV, a 20-year-old man, was apprehended at the scene by alert bystanders who held him until the police arrived. It was later revealed that the young man did not possess a valid New York driver’s license.
During the news conference, authorities refrained from taking questions, emphasizing that the investigation into the incident was still underway. The stolen SUV had been reported missing from the Bronx the day before, adding further complexity to the case.
As the situation continues to be assessed by law enforcement, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by reckless driving and the importance of vigilant law enforcement measures to ensure public safety.
