A devastating crash in New York City has left two people dead and three others critically injured after an out-of-control vehicle slammed into pedestrians on a Manhattan sidewalk Friday evening.
Authorities say the incident unfolded near West 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in the Morningside Heights neighborhood around 6 p.m. local time.
According to preliminary investigations, the driver lost control of a black Mercedes-Benz SUV before crashing into multiple parked vehicles and plowing into a group of people gathered outside a barbershop. Security footage and witness accounts describe a terrifying sequence in which the SUV sped through the intersection, mounted the curb, and struck pedestrians before finally coming to a stop amid wreckage and chaos.
The victims killed in the crash were later identified as two local men, including a father of triplets and a longtime neighborhood doorman who had reportedly just finished work. Three additional men — ages 36, 44, and 51 — suffered severe injuries and were rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside in critical condition.
Witnesses described horrifying scenes immediately after the collision. Bystanders reportedly rushed toward the destroyed sidewalk area, some attempting to lift the vehicle to help trapped victims while emergency crews arrived. One retired EMT who happened to be nearby performed CPR on an unconscious victim before paramedics took over.
Police say the crash does not currently appear to have been intentional. However, investigators allege the driver was intoxicated at the time of the incident. Authorities arrested the 61-year-old driver, identified in reports as Elvin Suarez, on multiple charges including manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, vehicular assault, and driving while intoxicated. Law enforcement sources say his blood alcohol content allegedly exceeded the legal limit.