3 women critical, 1 loses leg, after taxi jumps curb in Manhattan; group lifts cab off victims
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- Six people were injured, three critically, when a taxi struck a bicyclist, jumped a curb, and plowed into a group of pedestrians in Midtown Manhattan Monday, and we're learning more about the victims.
One of the women pinned by the cab had to have her leg amputated, and another victim may suffer the same fate.
The crash happened just before 1 p.m. Monday on Broadway at 29th Street.
Authorities say the cab was westbound on 29th Street, turning left onto Broadway with the right of way, when a 50-year-old man on a CitiBike blew through a red light and into his path, causing a collision at the intersection.
"When I looked at the video yesterday, I was disappointed to see that the bicyclist went through the red light," Mayor Eric Adams said. "That was troubling. So it's human error, human recklessness and street redesign. That's the combination."
The bicyclist collided with the yellow taxi's front left corner, knocking him to the ground. The cyclist was dragged as the taxi continued onto the sidewalk, where it struck the four pedestrians, pinning two women.
In what NYPD Deputy Police Chief John Chell called a "remarkable scene," between 15 and 20 good Samaritans tried to lift the cab off the victims.
Eyewitness News obtained an exclusive video of that effort.
A 32-year-old woman from Mexico had to have her leg amputated, while a 48-year-old woman from Columbus, Ohio, also suffered a severe leg injury that may require amputation.
A 32-year-old woman from Mexico had bruising about her body, while a 31-year-old woman also from Columbus sustained a less serious injury.
The 50-year-old bicyclist was treated for a broken arm, while the 60-year-old taxi driver was checked out for minor injuries.
A 40-year-old passenger in the taxi, a Chicago resident, was wearing his seatbelt and was not hurt.
Mayor Eric Adams thanked the New Yorkers who rushed to the aid of the pedestrians, saying the good Samaritans "lift up the symbol of what New York is."
"When you see the video of New Yorkers there, responding, to save the individuals who were the victims of the crash, it just really emphasizes how we are just an amazing city," he said. "No matter how difficult things are, no matter how many people say New Yorkers can be rude and New Yorkers can be bad, when it is time to help each other, we are there. And I just want to personally say thank you."
Raw video from NewsCopter7 above the scene:
Adams also reached out to Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.
"Mayor Adams reached out to Mayor Ginther regarding the two Columbus residents struck by a taxi in New York City earlier today to offer assistance in helping the families navigate travels to New York," his office said in a statement. "We ask the community to keep those injured and their loved ones in their prayers following this horrific crash."
Investigators are looking into why the taxi continued onto the sidewalk after striking the bicyclist, including examining the taxi for possible mechanical faults.
The driver made initial statements that his brakes were not working, although investigators will also look into operator error.
No charges have been filed or summonses issued against the bicyclist or the taxi driver, but the investigation continues.
The TLC said the taxi driver's license is in good standing.
Adams toured the scene Monday night and vowed that his administration would learn from this crash to try to prevent it from happening again.
"Traffic safety is all of our concerns, and we are going to continue to push forward to make sure our streets are safe," Adams said.
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