City centre horror as taxi ploughs into crowd including children by iconic store

A taxi has ploughed into a crowd in New York City‘s bustling Herald Square, leaving multiple people injured including a child. The terrifying incident occurred at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, right outside the iconic Macy’s department store.

It was unclear whether the crash was intentional or an accident, and the exact number of victims is yet to be confirmed.

But police have told ABC7 New York that the driver, a 58-year-olf man, experienced a medical episode, which caused him to veer off the road.

Several individuals were rushed to local hospitals, all reportedly in stable condition.

Footage from the scene shows first responders surrounding a taxi with its bonnet up. Reports suggest that six people, including a child, were injured – a fact confirmed by local first responders.

The extent of these injuries varies, with some reports indicating three minor and three serious injuries. None are believed to be life-threatening.

It’s reported that the taxi mounted the pavement, hitting the victims. The incident took place just after 4pm, reports the Mirror US, with police confirming to CBS News that the taxi did indeed jump the curb.

Following the incident, a significant police presence resulted in road closures and major traffic delays, impacting various modes of public transport, including buses. However, subway lines seemed unaffected by the Herald Square situation.

The injuries were later confirmed by the police, who told ABC7 New York that two people were taken to Bellevue Hospital and one to Cornell in serious condition.

It was also confirmed that two of the injured were a mother-son duo, though their conditions remain unknown. The other three people injured — the ones not taken to the two aforementioned hospitals — were described as stable.

Herald Square attracts thousands of people daily for its shopping, including at the massive Macy’s, which often sees Christmas Day influxes of customers.

Videos taken at the scene show fire engines at the scene, with crowds of people looming over first responders and others walking nearby as they mill about on the big day. Emergency services are yet to disclose whether the collision was the result of a targeted attack or an accident, with the NYPD adding that an investigation is ongoing. Police remain on the scene for the time being.

Videos taken at the scene show fire engines at the scene, with crowds of people looming over first responders and others walking nearby as they mill about on the big day. Emergency services are yet to disclose whether the collision was the result of a targeted attack or an accident, with the NYPD adding that an investigation is ongoing. Police remain on the scene for the time being.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates, photos, and videos on this breaking news story. Regularly check back for developments on this unfolding story.