On Christmas Day, chaos erupted outside Macy's department store in Midtown Manhattan when a taxi jumped the curb, injuring several pedestrians, including two Australians. The shocking incident occurred around 4 PM local time, as Rebecca Stewart, 41, and her nine-year-old son Tyler were heading out to dinner.
According to authorities, the driver, 58, lost control of the vehicle during what appears to be a medical episode. This unfortunate event resulted not only in Mrs. Stewart and her son being pinned under the taxi, but also injured three other women aged 19, 37, and 49, as well as the taxi driver himself.
Eyewitnesses rushed to assist after hearing the frantic screams of Mrs. Stewart’s husband, who cried out for help. Witnesses recounted the horrifying moment, saying the taxi's wheels were still spinning when bystanders began pushing the cab off. ‘I just felt this massive impact behind me, and then the next thing I knew I was facedown on the pavement,’ explained Mrs. Stewart. ‘I was holding my son’s hand, and I could just hear him screaming.’
Both mother and son were quickly taken to Weill Cornell Medical Centre. Mrs. Stewart sustained injuries to her head and legs, and fortunately has been discharged from the hospital. Meanwhile, Tyler is still receiving treatment for serious injuries, including a severe laceration to his right thigh and additional degloving injuries from where the taxi’s wheel had been pressing down hard.
Tyler’s condition remains precarious, as medical staff have performed surgery on him twice already. He is expected to need additional surgeries, including skin grafts, to repair the damage caused by the horrific accident.
Ryan Tucker, whose wife was also struck by the vehicle, shared his impressions of the scene, ‘That’s when we kind of ripped the fender off, got the car pushed back, and there was a little boy,’ he said. He described sitting with Tyler after the incident to keep him calm until his father arrived.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently providing consular assistance to Mrs. Stewart and her son, yet they have declined to comment publicly on specific details, citing privacy obligations.
The driver of the taxi was also taken to the hospital but is reported to be stable. While the NYPD has launched an investigation, they have indicated no signs of criminal wrongdoing.
Pictures taken at the scene showed significant damage to the front of the cab, and local authorities are continuing to assess what led to this catastrophic event. The police spokesperson emphasized the driver’s medical condition during the crash, but specific details of the medical episode have not yet been disclosed.
This incident raises urgent questions about drivers’ medical evaluations, especially those operating vehicles through busy urban environments like Manhattan, where pedestrian safety is always at risk. With the holiday season becoming increasingly busy, local officials are being pressed to review existing protocols for taxi drivers and their licenses.
Both victims and witnesses have echoed the need for stronger safety measures to prevent such accidents from occurring again. ‘It was pretty horrific,’ Mrs. Stewart recalled, highlighting the urgency for action. Sisters-in-law, friends of Stewart, and others have created fundraising initiatives to help cover medical costs as Tyler continues his recovery.
Despite the unnecessary trauma they faced during what should have been a joyful holiday, the Stewart family remains appreciative of the fast response from bystanders and emergency teams who came to their aid. This unfortunate event serves as yet another reminder of the vulnerabilities pedestrians face and the potential impact of driver health on public safety.
The city, renowned for its holiday crowds, now finds itself grappling with the aftermath of the event. While families stretched their holidays to enjoy the festive atmosphere, such accidents highlight the urgent necessity for discussions on ensuring pedestrian security. The investigations will likely take time, but addressing public concerns about safety measures is expected to be prioritized by city officials.
