A taxi ploughed into a crowd of people in New York City on Christmas Day with multiple people including a child injured outside the Macy’s department store
Multiple people injured on 34th St outside of Macy’s after a taxi driver jumped the curb
A taxi has ploughed into a crowd in New York City‘s bustling Herald Square, leaving multiple people injured including a child.
The terrifying incident occurred at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, right outside the iconic Macy’s department store.
It was unclear whether the crash was intentional or an accident, and the exact number of victims is yet to be confirmed.
But police have told ABC7 New York that the driver, a 58-year-old man, experienced a medical episode, which caused him to veer off the road.
The scene in New York City with the cab seen with its hood open
Several individuals were rushed to local hospitals, all reportedly in stable condition.
Footage from the scene shows first responders surrounding a taxi with its bonnet up.
Reports suggest that six people, including a child, were injured – a fact confirmed by local first responders.
The extent of these injuries varies, with some reports indicating three minor and three serious injuries.
The taxi is seen cordoned off with it’s boot up after the crash
The area of New York City, Herald Square
None are believed to be life-threatening.
It’s reported that the taxi mounted the pavement, hitting the victims. The incident took place just after 4pm, reports the Mirror US, with police confirming to CBS News that the taxi did indeed jump the curb.
Following the incident, a significant police presence resulted in road closures and major traffic delays, impacting various modes of public transport, including buses.
However, subway lines seemed unaffected by the Herald Square situation.
Emergency services inspect the taxi
The injuries were later confirmed by the police, who told ABC7 New York that two people were taken to Bellevue Hospital and one to Cornell in serious condition.
It was also confirmed that two of the injured were a mother-son duo, though their conditions remain unknown.
Those taken to Cornell were a 9-year-old boy and 41-year-old woman, presumably a mother-son duo, while a 49-year-old woman was taken to Bellevue.
The other three people injured — the ones not taken to the two aforementioned hospitals — were described as stable. They are ages 19, 37 and 49.
Herald Square attracts thousands of people daily for its shopping, including at the massive Macy’s, which often sees Christmas Day influxes of customers.
Videos taken at the scene show fire engines at the scene, with crowds of people looming over first responders and others walking nearby as they mill about on the big day.
Night is falling on the scene as the taxi is taped off
The NYPD say that an investigation is ongoing and police remain on the scene for the time being.
Videos taken at the scene show fire engines at the scene, with crowds of people looming over first responders and others walking nearby as they mill about on the big day.
Emergency services are yet to disclose whether the collision was the result of a targeted attack or an accident, with the NYPD adding that an investigation is ongoing.