Lower East Side, NY (March 15, 2026) – Two pedestrians were injured Saturday afternoon after a taxi struck them and crashed into a building on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, according to authorities.
Officers with the New York City Police Department responded to the crash shortly before 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of Essex Street and Rivington Street in the Lower East Side. Preliminary reports indicate that the taxi driver was making a right turn when the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Authorities said the taxi struck two women who were standing on the sidewalk before crashing into a nearby deli.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported both victims, who are reportedly in their 20s, to a local hospital for medical treatment. Officials said the women sustained minor injuries in the incident. Investigators secured the scene and began examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. It remains unclear what caused the driver to accelerate before the collision. The incident remains under investigation by the New York City Police Department.
We hope for a full recovery for the individuals injured in this accident.
Pedestrian Crashes Can Occur During Turning Maneuvers
Collisions involving pedestrians frequently occur when vehicles are turning at intersections.
Busy areas such as the intersection of Essex Street and Rivington Street in the Lower East Side see steady foot and vehicle traffic throughout the day.
When drivers make turns, pedestrians on sidewalks or near crosswalks may be at increased risk if a vehicle unexpectedly accelerates or leaves the roadway. Investigators typically review vehicle movement, driver actions, and roadway conditions to determine how such incidents occur.