NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Seven people were injured Friday morning in a multi-vehicle crash at an outdoor dining shed and fruit stand that left debris scattered over a block of Manhattan's East Side — and the driver who initially crashed had a seizure in custody, sources said.
Citizen App video shows a black Toyota Camry severely damaged amid debris at E. 50th Street and Second Avenue. A block south, at E. 49th Street and Second Avenue, a white van crashed into scaffolding and a fruit stand.
The white van, which witnesses said was speeding down Second Avenue, collided with the Toyota at E. 50th Street around 8:45 a.m. The Toyota spun out of control and struck the outdoor dining shed.
Debris from the shed hit two boys, ages 5 and 7, who were knocked to the ground and suffered minor injuries. Two people in the Toyota were also hurt. The van then continued for a block, striking the fruit stand and injuring three people.
Citizen App
All seven people suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Four of them were taken to Bellevue Hospital, according to the FDNY.
The driver of the van had a seizure after he was taken into custody, and has not been charged, as no drugs or alcohol were found in his system, sources told 1010 WINS.
One witness said the driver was staggering while getting out of the van.
Joseph, who works at a coffee shop on the corner, said he called 911 after the crash.
"It was just very surreal, looking out and seeing all of the seats in the middle of the street," he said of the outdoor dining debris.
Six Injured After Car Struck Outdoor Dining Area @CitizenApp
E 50th St & 2nd Ave 8:39:48 AM EST
Firefighters have secured the scaffolding and debris, the FDNY said. The Department of Buildings is also said to be at the scene.
All lanes on Second Avenue were closed to traffic at E. 50th Street.
Roger Stern
Roger Stern
