On Friday afternoon (13th), a taxi suddenly drove onto the sidewalk in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, hitting two women. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) reported that three people, including the passengers in the taxi, were taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, all of them are out of danger and expected to make a full recovery.
The accident occurred near the intersection of Rivington Street and Essex Street. Surveillance footage aired by WABC TV showed the two women walking on the sidewalk when the taxi lost control and crashed into them in front of a deli grocery store. The impact sent the two women flying onto the hood of the taxi before it plowed into the storefront, scattering glass shards, flower bouquets, and miscellaneous items everywhere, leaving the street in disarray.
One of the women was thrown into the basement stairwell outside the store, while the other woman fell heavily onto the sidewalk. Smoke started billowing from the vehicle after the crash.
Witnesses recalled that they were dining in a nearby restaurant when they suddenly saw the taxi veering out of control towards pedestrians. They rushed to the basement stairwell to call out the victims’ names and finally heard a faint response. To keep the injured woman alert, they continued talking to her until the arrival of the police and rescue personnel.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.