New York, NY – A tragic incident occurred during the July 4th celebrations in Manhattan, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to six others. The incident involved a suspected drunk driver crashing into a park in Lower East Side, causing chaos and shock among attendees.
Among the victims were 59-year-old Lucille Pickney and 38-year-old Hernan Pickney, both residents of the nearby area. The identity of the third victim has not been disclosed at this time. The crash took place around 9 p.m. on Water Street, where a Ford F-150 pickup truck sped through a stop sign, mounted the sidewalk, and collided with Corlears Hook Park.
During a press conference held by the New York City Police Department, Chief Jeffrey Maddrey provided details of the horrific event. Nine individuals were struck by the vehicle, with four trapped underneath. Tragically, two people succumbed to their injuries on Thursday, while a third victim passed away overnight. One person remains in critical condition at a local hospital as authorities work to confirm the ages of all affected individuals.
Authorities ruled out terrorism as a motive for the incident but suspect that alcohol played a role in the driver’s reckless actions. Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, emphasizing that the victims were innocent bystanders enjoying the holiday festivities. Despite initial suspicions of alcohol consumption by the driver, further testing is required to confirm this.
Swift action by the New York City Fire Department saw the vehicle lifted off the victims within minutes of the crash. The driver, not yet identified, was apprehended with the help of bystanders at the scene, preventing any attempt to flee. Although no charges have been filed as of now, the investigation continues to determine the full extent of the driver’s culpability in the tragedy.