89-Year-Old Woman Dies After Being Struck by SUV Driven by 86-Year-Old on Brooklyn Sidewalk.
An 89-year-old woman tragically lost her life in Brooklyn on Wednesday afternoon when an elderly driver experiencing a medical emergency reversed his minivan, striking her on the sidewalk. This incident, which also resulted in injuries to two other women, occurred at approximately 12:51 PM near West Fifth Street and Neptune Avenue in the West Brighton neighborhood, according to law enforcement officials.
Reports indicate that the 86-year-old driver of the red Chrysler Town & Country minivan may have suffered a stroke prior to the accident. The vehicle reportedly veered onto the sidewalk, colliding with the elderly woman, whose identity has not been disclosed. Emergency medical personnel administered CPR to the victim at the scene before transporting her to NYU Langone Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
A witness to the tragic event, Andrew Melnyk, a 20-year-old construction project manager, recounted seeing the chaos that followed the accident. He described the distressing scene, with the driver exiting the minivan in a state of shock, visibly upset as he placed his head in his hands. Melnyk noted that the injured woman was located on the sidewalk, surrounded by debris from a nearby flower bed, with visible injuries to her head and nose.
In addition to the fatality, the incident involved two other victims: a 75-year-old woman and a 43-year-old woman, both of whom were also transported to NYU Langone Hospital. Reports indicate that both women are in stable condition following their injuries.
Witnesses provided accounts of the scene, with some reassuring the injured women that help would arrive soon. One of the victims expressed concern for her children in the moments following the accident, indicating the emotional turmoil that surrounded the incident.
The driver of the minivan remained at the scene following the accident and has not been arrested. He was subsequently treated at NYU Langone Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, as officials seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the driver’s medical condition at the time of the incident.
As this tragic event highlights the risks associated with medical emergencies behind the wheel, public safety officials often advocate for initiatives aimed at preventing accidents caused by health issues.
