Two Dead, Three Critically Injured as Driver Jumps Curb on Upper West Side

Two people were killed and three others were critically injured Friday evening after a driver lost control, jumped the curb, and slammed into a group of pedestrians on the Upper West Side during the height of rush hour, according to police.

The incident unfolded at approximately 6:00 p.m. near West 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Police said a 61-year-old man drove onto the sidewalk, killing a 35-year-old man and a 46-year-old man. Three other men, between the ages of 36 and 52, were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Witnesses described chaotic and terrifying moments as the vehicle mounted the median.

“He was swerving, driving really fast,” one witness said. “And then he drove up over the median. We seen the car go up in the air and come down and land on everybody.”

A retired EMT who arrived at the scene said she saw three bodies on the ground and immediately began performing CPR on an unconscious, bleeding man in hopes of saving his life.

“I’m just yelling, ‘Back up, back up! I’m an EMT. I’m trying to help!’” she recalled. “Someone help me to hold his head and call 911.”

Police said the driver may have been under the influence. Witnesses reported that after exiting his vehicle, the man appeared confused and disoriented.

A shoe was seen lying in the middle of the road, surrounded by mangled vehicles. Witnesses said at least one man was pinned under a car.

Neighbors expressed shock and grief, noting that the victims were familiar faces from the community.

“These are all people from our neighborhood,” one resident said.

As of late Friday night, no charges had been filed against the driver. Police remained on the scene, continuing to investigate.