10 people injured after box truck strikes parked van, sending it onto sidewalk in Midtown
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- Ten people were injured, including one critically, in a chain-reaction crash involving a box truck and parked van in Midtown Manhattan on Monday, according to officials.
The crash happened around 4 p.m. on Eighth Avenue between West 29th and 30th streets.
Officials say a Ryder box truck was traveling northbound on Eighth Avenue approaching 30th Street when the vehicle struck a parked work van, propelling the van forward onto the sidewalk, and striking eight pedestrians.
"The van just parked, the people got out the van. Next thing you know, that Ryder van came and smacked it," said eyewitness Arnitra Elise.
Surveillance video shows the work van parked on the side of the street when the Ryder box truck swerves out of control, and smashes into the left rear end of the van as pedestrians attempt get out of the way.
The impact forced the van to skid forward about 30 feet, coming to a stop after swinging sideways, striking a nine-foot LinkNYC station
Elise was also seen in the surveillance, ducking for cover.
"I almost got hit by it, but it did knock this one dude, so his shoe was on the other side," Elise said.
The Ryder box truck then stops just beyond the traffic light.
One woman was temporarily pinned between the van and the building.
"I see this car coming up onto the sidewalk and he hit a woman, and she flew into the building," said eyewitness Suzie Ellenton.
Cell phone video shows bystanders rushing to their aid, including a parking attendant who called 911.
"Lots of people of people on the ground, some people were crawling, almost five or six of them," said eyewitness Mamadou Diallo.
Police say that of the eight injured pedestrians, one is in critical condition. The other seven suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Two occupants of the box truck were taken to the hospital to be checked out.
The driver of the box truck stayed at the scene.
Officials say there does not appear to be any criminality involved.
An investigation is underway.
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