The driver of a van in Harlem today lost control, causing the vehicle to jump the curb and injure six people while simultaneously toppling a scaffolding. The scaffolding had just been cited last month by the Department of Buildings for not meeting safety code standards. An owner of a nearby deli at 136th Street and Lenox Avenue told the News, "It sounded like the whole building fell down."
The accident has left one construction worker in critical condition at the nearby Harlem Hospital. A construction worker who raced across the street after hearing the accident said, "We pulled the scaffolding off and that's when we saw him. He was blue ... he was bleeding from the mouth and head." The injured worker is expected to survive.
Investigators believe that the accelerator of the van became stuck as the driver was pulling out into traffic nearby. He did not immediately stop upon hitting the scaffolding and continued on the sidewalk for a block before the vehicle ceased moving. Police believe it was an accident, but have not confirmed whether the driver will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
