A suspected drunk driver plowed onto a New York City sidewalk Friday night, killing two men, including a father of triplets, and critically injuring three others, authorities said.
Crash Details
The violent crash occurred around 6 p.m. in the Manhattan Valley neighborhood near Amsterdam Avenue and West 109th Street, according to the NYPD. The 61-year-old driver, who has not been identified, was operating a black Mercedes-Benz SUV when he allegedly lost control, striking multiple parked vehicles before jumping the curb and crashing into a group of men outside a barber shop.
Witness David Lawrence described the scene as a 'horror show,' telling the New York Post, 'It was unsettling, truly unsettling. It looked like a Halloween set-up. Just his head and his arms were completely disfigured.' He was referring to one of the deceased men pinned under the vehicle.
Surveillance video obtained by the outlet showed the sedan speeding through an intersection moments before the collision.
Victims and Injuries
Police said two men, ages 35 and 46, were pronounced dead at the scene. Three other victims, ages 36, 44, and 51, were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. Police have not publicly identified the victims.
However, loved ones gathered outside St. Luke's Hospital told the New York Post that the older victim was a doorman who had just finished his shift, while the other worked at a hospital and was the father of triplets.
Investigation
The driver was taken into custody. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is continuing to investigate the incident, a department spokesperson said.
