Tragic chain‑reaction crash kills 75‑year‑old East Harlem resident
A bizarre multi‑vehicle collision that began just after dawn on Tuesday left a 75‑year‑old East Harlem woman dead and wounded a few others. The incident, involving roughly twelve cars and a private garbage truck, was described by police as a “freak chain‑reaction” that unfolded around 6:30 a.m. on First Avenue and East 101st Street.
The crash opened when a private garbage truck lost control, first striking a BMW X5 and then proceeding to collide with nine additional vehicles—four of which were double‑parked. A Kia Forte ended up wedged directly in front of the truck, effectively becoming a battering ram that caused scaffolding on the roadway to collapse. The falling metal and wood struck the victim, ripping off both of her legs, according to witnesses.
Police said the driver of the garbage truck was traveling beneath the speed limit and had cleared both drug and alcohol tests. The BMW’s 47‑year‑old driver and a 22‑year‑old man behind a Ford box truck were also injured, but both were reported to be in stable condition at New York‑Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
The man’s name has not been released, but local residents described him as a beloved community figure. Jose Martinez, who works in a neighborhood smoke shop, recalled, “She’s known for watering the plans in the summer.” He added, “You would see her every morning with her walker, filling up a little bucket of water to go water her plants. You don’t see that everywhere. That’s not something you see, the care and friendliness for the community.” Martinez closed by saying, “This is just mind‑blowing.”
The crash‑causing vehicle—a 2023 Peterbilt—belongs to Classic Recycling of Clifton, New Jersey. A company representative told The Post that the driver had a clean, two‑year driving record and was traveling under the speed limit at the time of the crash.
Classic Recycling’s spokesperson said, “We are still gathering information about this tragic accident and are not able to provide any details at this time.” Police have not made any arrests. The investigation remains active.
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