Deadly Accident in New York Chinatown: 1 Dead, 2 Injured

In the United States, in Manhattan’s Chinatown, a traffic accident on Thursday morning claimed the life of a pedestrian and injured two people. The incident occurred at about 10:20 a.m. at the intersection of Bowery and Canal Street.

Truck Struck the Sidewalk

After a report reached the fire crews, many units were dispatched to the area. Police said a truck that had left the Manhattan Bridge was moving westward on Canal Street, and when it turned right toward Bowery it struck the sidewalk and hit three pedestrians.

Second Collision After the Accident

Immediately after the crash, another minibus collided with the truck from behind. Officials said it was still unclear whether the truck had struck the sidewalk before or after the collision with the minibus. Footage from the scene showed the truck’s front windshield shattered and its tires damaged.

The 77‑year‑old Pedestrian Was Not Rescued

The 77‑year‑old male pedestrian injured in the crash was taken to Bellevue Hospital. Despite the interventions performed at the hospital, he died. It was reported that the other two injured were women and that their treatments at the hospital are proceeding in a stable condition. The 47‑year‑old driver of the minibus that collided with the truck was also taken to the hospital.

Truck Driver Arrested

Police arrested the 66‑year‑old man who was driving the truck after the incident. However, no charges have yet been brought against the driver. Officials stated that there was no evidence the incident was intentional.

Security Concerns on Canal Street

The danger posed by vehicles to pedestrians in the Lower Manhattan area where the crash occurred had previously been raised. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office had stated that a vehicle speeding off the Manhattan Bridge a little more than a year ago struck a cyclist on the curb and a woman sitting on a bench, causing their deaths.

Ten Pedestrians Killed on Canal Street Since 2014

Transportation Alternatives, a transportation safety organization, reported that since 2014, ten pedestrians have lost their lives on Canal Street. According to the organization, the average age of the deceased pedestrians was 75. The organization also notes that the speed limit on the Manhattan Bridge is 35 mph, which is 15 mph higher than the speed limit on Canal Street.

Local officials demand safety measures

State Senator Stephen Chan said that traffic lights on the bridge should be configured to slow vehicles further, and he urged the use of speed bumps and physical barriers. One resident of the area also voiced concerns about vehicle traffic around Bowery.

Third death in a year

New York City Council Member Christopher Marte, who represents the area, said that the incident on Thursday was the third death in the region within a little over a year. Marte noted that the Department of Transportation has made progress in its efforts to redesign Canal Street, but that the plan was initiated from a section considered less lethal.

Call for Redesign of Canal Street

Manhattan Mayor Brad Hoylman‑Sigal also backed calls for security. Hoylman‑Sigal, stating that the security measures long demanded by Community Board 3, local officials and other groups should no longer be postponed, urged the Department of Transportation to take urgent action and to implement security measures at Canal Street and the Manhattan Bridge entrance.