NEW YORK, NY – The FDR Drive was the scene of a tragic accident, leading to significant delays and a tragic loss of life. As dawn broke over the city, emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear the wreckage and reopen the vital thoroughfare, which remained closed in both directions, causing extensive traffic disruptions.
The incident occurred just before 3 a.m. when a car, reportedly a Tesla, was involved in a high-speed crash. Witness reports suggest the vehicle was traveling north at a dangerously high speed when the driver lost control, hitting a guardrail before flipping over. The impact was so severe that both the driver and a passenger were ejected from the vehicle.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the scene they encountered was devastating. The car was engulfed in flames, and despite the efforts of dozens of firefighters, the blaze was intense. Tragically, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger, a 26-year-old man, was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moments following the crash. One bystander recounted how they and another individual rushed to the scene to offer assistance, only to find the driver unresponsive. The aftermath of the crash left debris scattered across the roadway, contributing to the massive traffic backup observed throughout the morning.
Aerial footage from the scene captured the extent of the congestion caused by the accident, with vehicles backed up for miles. The closure of FDR Drive during the morning commute created a ripple effect, impacting traffic flow across the East Side of Manhattan.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the passenger’s condition, but he remains hospitalized. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about speed and safety on urban roadways, especially those as heavily trafficked as the FDR Drive.
As the investigation continues, officials urge drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent further tragedies. The reopening of FDR Drive is underway, but the somber reminder of the risks of reckless driving lingers on.