Three Killed in Suspected DUI Crash at Manhattan Independence Day Celebration

On the evening of July 4th, tragedy struck during an Independence Day celebration in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. A group of people gathered to commemorate the holiday when a devastating incident occurred, claiming the lives of three individuals and injuring eight others.

Suspected DUI Driver Plows into Park

At approximately 9 p.m., a gray Ford F-150 plowed through an intersection and into Corlears Hook Park, where the festive gathering was taking place. New York Police Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey revealed that the driver, suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, collided with the group, resulting in the loss of two lives at the scene. Tragically, a third death was reported later on, as confirmed by CNN affiliates WABC, WCBS, and WNBC. Additionally, eight individuals sustained injuries as a result of the incident.

Mayor Eric Adams’ Response

Mayor Eric Adams addressed the media, expressing his belief that the driver was indeed under the influence. He assured the public that there were no indications of a terror-related motive behind the tragic collision. Bystanders acted swiftly, holding the driver at the scene until emergency responders arrived to offer assistance. Thanks to their efforts, four people who were trapped under the truck were successfully rescued.

While the New York City Police Department has refrained from filing charges against the suspected driver, they have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities suspect that alcohol may have played a significant role in the heartbreaking incident. It is important to note that this is a developing story, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. CNN’s Zenebou Sylla contributed to this report.