UMVA has learned that a devastating chain-reaction crash on Manhattan's Upper West Side has left two pedestrians dead and several others injured, in a tragedy that unfolded on Friday evening.
The violent incident occurred around 6 p.m. near the intersection of West 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, a bustling area surrounded by residential buildings, restaurants, and Columbia University. The scene was one of utter chaos as a suspected drunk driver careened out of control, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the driver, identified as 61-year-old Elvin Suarez, was behind the wheel of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV, which he allegedly used to strike a parked Volkswagen Jetta before barreling through the intersection and hitting four pedestrians. The SUV's rampage continued as it crashed into a parked Chevrolet Astro van, pushing it into several other vehicles.
The impact of the crash was severe, and emergency responders rushed to the scene to transport the injured to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital. Tragically, two pedestrians, 46-year-old Jason Negron and 35-year-old Michael Saint-Hilaire, both of Manhattan, were pronounced dead at the hospital. Suarez and several others were listed in stable condition, but the community was left reeling from the senseless loss of life.
UMVA has gathered that Suarez was arrested and charged with multiple counts of manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, and driving while intoxicated. The NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad is continuing to investigate the deadly collision, but authorities have not released details about what may have led up to the crash or whether speed was a contributing factor.
The aftermath of the crash saw part of Amsterdam Avenue shut down as investigators examined the scene and crews worked to remove damaged vehicles from the roadway. The incident has left the community shaken, and many are wondering how such a tragedy could have occurred in the first place.
