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NEW YORK CITY, Kings County, N.Y., Oct. 20, 2026 — Four people were injured Sunday morning, October 18, when a chain-reaction crash sent a car through a playground fence in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The vehicle came to rest on a damaged concrete barrier near Sgt. William Dougherty Playground, according to police.
The crash happened just after 9 a.m. at the intersection of Vandervoort Avenue and Anthony Street, police said. A driver fled the scene afterward, according to a police complaint report.
The report describes a string of collisions involving three complainants and a driver identified as the alleged perpetrator. One complainant told police he had just left a club with a friend and his girlfriend when another driver, who he said he had not realized was following him, struck his car and forced it into two other vehicles. That driver then reportedly left the area without stopping.
The Fire Department of New York said two people were taken to Woodhull Hospital, while two others were treated at the scene. The complainant who reported the crash suffered a minor leg injury, according to the report. Two other people hurt in the crash, a 42-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, were also listed in the report.
The case remains under investigation. We wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in New York City, NY
This crash happened at Vandervoort Avenue and Anthony Street in New York City, NY. We cover crashes across Kings County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our recent crash reports from Kings County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can drivers do to lower the chances of being in a crash like this? Staying alert to vehicles following too closely, keeping a safe distance from other cars, and pulling over in a well-lit, public area if someone seems to be tailing you can all help avoid dangerous situations on the road.
What injuries are most common in multi-vehicle crashes? These crashes often cause soft-tissue injuries like sprains and whiplash, along with broken bones, head injuries, and cuts from broken glass or debris, depending on how the vehicles collide.
What usually causes chain-reaction crashes? They're often triggered by one driver's sudden or aggressive action, such as following too closely, swerving, or causing an initial collision that pushes other vehicles into each other.
Does speed make a difference in how bad a crash is? Yes. Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force involved in a collision, which generally leads to more serious vehicle damage and injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident in New York City, NY
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, try to move to a safe spot if possible and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries, especially to the neck, back, or head, don't show symptoms immediately. Take photos of the scene if you're able to, note the other vehicles involved, and get the names of any witnesses nearby. Request a copy of the police report once it's filed, and keep records of any medical visits or treatment that follow. If another driver left the scene, share everything you remember, including vehicle description or direction of travel, with responding officers.
