By Trend News Line 2024-07-05 02:11:23.
**Three Dead and Six Injured in Manhattan Park Crash**
Three people tragically lost their lives and six others were injured when a suspected drunk driver crashed into a Manhattan park on Thursday night, during the July 4th celebrations, according to authorities. The victims included 59-year-old Lucille Pickney and 38-year-old Hernan Pickney, who were residents of the area. The identity of the third victim has not been released.
**The Crash and Its Aftermath**
The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on the Lower East Side, as reported by the New York City Police Department. During a late-night news conference, NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey revealed that the driver of a Ford F-150 pickup truck was speeding down Water Street, ran through a stop sign at the intersection of Water and Cherry streets, and then drove up onto the sidewalk, crashing into Corlears Hook Park.
Nine people were struck by the vehicle, with four becoming trapped underneath. Tragically, two individuals were pronounced dead on Thursday, while a third victim passed away overnight. At least one person remains in critical condition in the hospital.
Eyewitness Shantay Bracey, who has lived in the neighborhood for over a decade, described the chaotic scene, stating, “I just thought they were putting up lights to have light for their barbecue, because it was so bright, and it was a truck going into the gate. I went running and screaming over here to see what happened after, and it was melee, it was crazy.”
**Alcohol Suspected, Terrorism Ruled Out**
Authorities have indicated that the incident does not appear to be related to terrorism, but they suspect that alcohol may have played a role. New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, saying, “A driver drove into a crowd of people who were actually just celebrating, like so many New Yorkers and Americans are doing right now.”
Chief Maddrey confirmed that responding officers detected the smell of alcohol at the scene, but further testing is required. The New York City Fire Department responded swiftly, arriving at the scene within three-and-a-half minutes and successfully lifting the vehicle off the victims.
The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, was apprehended with the assistance of bystanders. Maddrey praised those who intervened, stating, “We believe, initially, that there were people who were there at the scene who grabbed the driver, removed the driver, and made sure the driver didn’t leave until first responders arrived.”
At present, no charges have been filed, as the investigation continues.
**Remembering the Victims**
As the community mourns the loss of Lucille Pickney and Hernan Pickney, their names will forever be remembered. The tragic incident has left a somber cloud over the neighborhood, as residents come to terms with the devastating consequences of that fateful night.
In the wake of this heart-wrenching event, the families of the victims, along with the entire community, are left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy. The memories of those who lost their lives will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them..
– drunk driver plows into NYC park
– suspected drunk driver 4th of July celebration.