HERALD SQUARE, Manhattan (WABC) -- A group of good Samaritans jumped to action as chaos unfolded on Christmas night when a taxi plowed through pedestrians in Herald Square, injuring six people. Among them were a 41-year-old Australian mother and her 9-year-old son, who ended up pinned beneath the vehicle.
The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. at the lively intersection of West 34th Street and Sixth Avenue. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the 58-year-old taxi driver experienced what appeared to be a medical emergency, likely related to blood pressure issues, prompting him to drive onto the sidewalk.
"He hit us from behind without warning. I didn't even know what had happened," recounted the mother, who was visiting New York City during the Christmas holidays. "I just heard my son screaming next to me as I felt something heavy on top of me.” Witness Ryan Tucker, visiting from Oregon, described the harrowing scene, detailing how he rushed to help after his wife was struck by the cab.
“I noticed there was a little boy whose leg was trapped under the front passenger tire,” Tucker said. “A whole group of us managed to lift the car, and I pulled the little boy out to safety.”
The mother explained the current struggles facing her family, stating, "We were just here for Christmas holidays, and on the third day of our trip, this happened.” Her son suffered serious injuries, including a broken femur and severe burns. He is currently at New York Presbyterian Hospital following his second surgery.
Besides the Australian mother and her son, a 49-year-old woman was transferred to another hospital for treatment. Three more pedestrians, aged 19, 37, and 49, declined medical attention, as confirmed by police. Fortunately, officials reported all injuries sustained were non-life-threatening.
The cab driver, whose name has not been released, was also hospitalized but is in stable condition. The police have not charged him with any criminal wrongdoing, with authorities stating no foul play is suspected. Eyewitness accounts revealed the yellow cab was moving north along the crowded Sixth Avenue strip before veering onto the sidewalk populated with pedestrians and tourists.
Immediate responses from bystanders were significant, with many rushing to provide aid until emergency services arrived at the scene. Photos taken shortly after the incident show the taxi with considerable damage to its front end, surrounded by police tape.
A representative from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed they are providing assistance to the injured family. The spokesperson stated, "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to two Australians in the United States. Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide more details."
Herald Square is known as one of the most popular commercial districts located minutes away from the iconic Madison Square Garden, attracting tourists and locals alike during the festive season. The crash has brought attention to the importance of safety on crowded streets as the holiday season continues.
Officials are investigating the causes of the crash, but preliminary reports suggest the driver’s medical emergency played a key role. Witnesses are speaking to the police as the investigation progresses, with many locals shaken by the day’s events.
This tragic incident is expected to resonate through the local community, reflecting on the dangers inherent on busy city streets, particularly during high-traffic holidays.
