New York City, NY – A 75-year-old woman was tragically killed in a massive chain-reaction crash involving nearly a dozen vehicles in East Harlem on Tuesday morning, authorities report. The incident has left the community reeling as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. on East 101st Street and First Avenue. According to police, a private garbage truck lost control, striking a BMW X5 before colliding with nine additional vehicles, four of which were double-parked at the time.
A Kia Forte became trapped in front of the truck, acting as a lethal battering ram. The impact caused scaffolding to collapse, sending metal and wood debris onto the elderly pedestrian, severing her legs, witnesses said. The woman, known locally for her care for the neighborhood, tragically died at the scene.
Injuries and Victims
Two other individuals were injured in the incident:
- The 47-year-old BMW driver
- A 22-year-old man driving a Ford box truck
Both were transported to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and are currently listed in stable condition.
Community Response
Locals remembered the victim as a beloved figure in the neighborhood.
“She’s known for watering the plants in the summer,” said Jose Martinez, an employee at a nearby smoke shop. “You would see her every morning with her walker, filling up a little bucket of water to go water her plants. That care and friendliness for the community—you don’t see that everywhere. This is just mind-blowing.”
Garbage Truck and Driver Details
The 2023 Peterbilt garbage truck involved in the crash is owned by Classic Recycling of Clifton, New Jersey. A company spokesperson confirmed that the driver had a clean two-year driving record, was traveling under the speed limit, and tested negative for drugs and alcohol.
“We are still gathering information about this tragic accident and are not able to provide any details at this time,” the company representative stated.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are reviewing the sequence of events that led to the crash, including the possibility of equipment failure or other contributing factors.
How can communities prevent such tragedies? Do you think stricter safety regulations for private vehicles like garbage trucks could reduce accidents in busy urban areas? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion about public safety in East Harlem.
