Taxi Driver’s Medical Episode Causes Pedestrian Accident in Manhattan
A taxi driver whose car hit six pedestrians when he jumped a curb in a Manhattan shopping district on Christmas Day was having a medical episode at the time, New York City police said Thursday.
Accident Details
The incident occurred across the street from Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square, a major shopping destination for tourists and locals. The 58-year-old taxi driver, who was taken to a hospital in stable condition for further evaluation, lost control of his vehicle and drove onto the sidewalk.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
Two of the pedestrians injured were Australians, according to the country’s foreign ministry. A 9-year-old boy suffered a laceration to his right thigh, a 49-year-old woman sustained a leg injury, and a 41-year-old woman was also hospitalized. All three were in stable condition. Three other pedestrians, women aged 19, 37, and 49, declined medical treatment.
Investigation and No Criminality Suspected
An NYPD spokesperson would not elaborate on the type of medical episode the driver experienced but said no criminality is suspected at this stage. The investigation is ongoing, and the driver’s medical condition is being evaluated further.
Australian Consular Assistance
A statement from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs did not give more details about its citizens who were hurt but said they were receiving consular assistance.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in busy areas like Herald Square. The investigation is ongoing, and we hope that the injured parties make a full recovery.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the incident?
A: The taxi driver, who was experiencing a medical episode, lost control of his vehicle and drove onto the sidewalk, hitting six pedestrians.
Q: How many people were injured?
A: Six pedestrians were injured, including two Australians. Three of them were hospitalized, and three declined medical treatment.
Q: Is criminality suspected?
A: No, according to the NYPD, no criminality is suspected at this stage.
Q: What is the condition of the taxi driver?
A: The 58-year-old taxi driver was taken to a hospital in stable condition for further evaluation.
Q: Is the investigation ongoing?
A: Yes, the investigation is ongoing, and the NYPD is working to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
