NEW YORK, NY – On the Lower East Side of Manhattan Thursday night a driver plowed into a park during a Fourth of July celebration, resulting in two fatalities and seven injuries, according to authorities.
The crash occurred just before 9 p.m., as the driver of a Ford F-150 pickup truck sped through a stop sign and veered onto the sidewalk, striking several pedestrians, the New York City Police Department reported. The vehicle came to a halt on top of four victims, police said.
NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey stated in a press conference that the truck’s high speed and the driver’s disregard for traffic signals led to the devastating collision. First responders quickly arrived at the chaotic scene to find the grey pickup truck atop the injured individuals.
Authorities confirmed that nine people were struck, with at least two pronounced dead at the scene. The ages of the victims are still being determined, but it is believed that at least two children were among those transported to the hospital.
Preliminary investigations revealed the presence of alcohol at the scene, though tests are ongoing to confirm if the driver was under the influence. Despite the horrific nature of the event, police have ruled out terrorism as a motive.
In a social media post, the NYPD urged residents to avoid the area around Water Street and Jackson Street as investigations continue. The community remains in shock as they await further updates from the authorities.