The crash occurred around 6 p.m. at 996 Amsterdam Avenue, between West 109th Street and Cathedral Avenue. Police said a northbound Mercedes sedan struck several parked vehicles, including a Volkswagen and a minivan, before mounting the curb and hitting five men who were gathered outside.
Authorities said the driver of the Mercedes, a 61-year-old man, was taken into custody at the scene. Sources indicated he appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Two victims, ages 35 and 46, were pronounced dead. Three additional men were transported to a hospital in critical condition. The driver was also taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with bystanders attempting to lift the vehicle off a pinned victim. Emergency responders later cleared the area as investigators documented the crash.
Police said individuals inside a parked minivan nearby declined medical treatment. The investigation remains ongoing.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and are thinking of those critically injured as they continue receiving care.
What Factors Are Often Reviewed in Pedestrian Crashes Involving Out-of-Control Vehicles?
Crashes in which a vehicle leaves the roadway and strikes pedestrians often require detailed reconstruction to determine why the driver lost control. Investigators typically examine speed, impairment, and the mechanical condition of the vehicle.
Roadway features such as curb height, parking layouts, and traffic density are also reviewed, especially in urban areas with heavy pedestrian activity. Vehicle data systems, surveillance footage, and witness statements can help establish how the vehicle traveled before impact. In multi-victim crashes, emergency response timelines and injury patterns are also studied to understand the severity and sequence of events. These investigations often take time as officials work to determine whether impairment, distraction, or mechanical failure played a role.
