MANHATTAN, NY – Two people were killed and three others left in critical condition after an intoxicated driver jumped a curb and plowed into a group of men sitting outside a local barbershop in Morningside Heights.
The Deadly Collision
According to law enforcement sources, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. near the intersection of West 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
Surveillance video captured the erratic path of a Mercedes-Benz SUV, which first struck a parked car two blocks away on West 107th Street. The vehicle then continued down the road before veering wildly onto the sidewalk.
Impact on a Close-Knit Community
Neighbors reported that the SUV plowed directly into a group of neighborhood residents who were sitting in folding chairs outside the barbershop. The area is known locally as a popular gathering spot for the community.
- Fatalities: Two men were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
- Injuries: Three other men were rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside (St. Luke’s Hospital) in critical condition.
- Scene Details: Witnesses described a chaotic scene, noting that at least one victim became pinned underneath a vehicle, while others suffered severe injuries.
Suspect In Custody
Police confirmed that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash. The suspect was immediately taken into custody at the scene, and criminal charges are currently pending.
The identities of the victims and the driver have not yet been released as the investigation continues.
