On Thursday night, a devastating incident occurred in Manhattan's Lower East Side during a Fourth of July celebration, resulting in two fatalities and seven injuries. The New York City Police Department reported that just before 9 p.m., a driver of a Ford F-150 pickup truck crashed into a park after running through a stop sign at a high speed.
NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey revealed in a press conference that the grey pickup truck veered onto the sidewalk, striking multiple individuals who were present at the celebration. First responders arrived to find the truck on top of four victims, with a total of nine people being hit and two confirmed fatalities.
While the ages of the victims are still being determined, authorities suspect that at least two children were among those injured and taken to the hospital. Police noted the presence of alcohol at the scene, although tests are ongoing to confirm any impairment.
Despite initial concerns, law enforcement has ruled out terrorism as a motive for the incident. The NYPD issued a statement urging the public to avoid the area of Water Street and Jackson Street to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving, particularly during festive occasions. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families as the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking loss.
