Hell’s Kitchen Bleeds: City Stalls, Bodies Fall

Dec 13 - A 25-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a GMC sedan made a right turn and struck him at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The driver’s right front bumper hit the pedestrian, causing shock and injury.

According to the police report, a GMC sedan traveling north on 10 Avenue made a right turn onto West 46 Street in Manhattan at 13:30. The vehicle’s right front bumper struck a 25-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock at the scene. The report lists no explicit driver contributing factors, but the collision occurred during the driver’s right turn, indicating a failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing legally. The pedestrian’s actions were not cited as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained damage to its right front bumper. The incident highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781888 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 10 - A 54-year-old man on a bike slammed into a parked bus at West 39th and Ninth. He flew from the saddle, his skull cracking on the pavement. Blood pooled. The bus stood untouched. The man lay broken, head bleeding.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old male bicyclist traveling west on West 39th Street collided with a parked bus at the corner of 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The report states the cyclist was ejected from his bike, suffering a severe head injury with significant bleeding after his skull struck the pavement. The bus, a 2006 GMC, was parked and sustained no damage. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor in the crash. No helmet was in use, as noted in the data, but this is mentioned only after the driver error. The narrative describes a violent impact and the aftermath: 'Blood pooled on the asphalt. The bus, untouched. The man, broken.' The crash underscores the consequences of distraction and the hazards that persist even when vehicles are stationary.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779708 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 9 - City plans to lift helicopter flight limits at Downtown Manhattan Heliport. New contract would allow more tourist flights if half use electric aircraft. Advocates and Council Member Restler slam the move. They demand a ban on non-essential, luxury air travel.

On December 9, 2024, the city released a draft contract proposing to lift the cap on helicopter flights at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. The Economic Development Corporation, which manages the heliport, seeks to allow more flights if 50 percent use electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), pending FAA approval. The matter summary states: 'The city could lift a years-old cap on helicopter trips at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in order to get companies to pivot to electric aircraft.' Council Member Lincoln Restler, representing Brooklyn waterfront neighborhoods, criticized the plan and called for a ban on non-essential tourism and luxury air taxi flights. Restler previously introduced legislation to ban such trips, but it failed. Advocates Melissa Elstein and Andrew Rosenthal of Stop The Chop also oppose the plan, citing noise, quality of life, and expanded luxury service. The contract includes expanded lounges and segregated passenger flows, which advocates see as a move to boost luxury air travel.

• City Eyes More Tour Flights From Downtown Heliport With Electric Aircraft, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-09

Dec 5 - Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Dec 4 - A northbound SUV struck the rear of a stopped sedan on 12 Ave. The impact injured the sedan’s driver and right rear passenger, both suffering whiplash and head or neck injuries. Driver distraction was cited as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, at approximately 5:30 AM on 12 Ave near W 54 St in Manhattan, a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling north struck the center back end of a 2016 Toyota sedan that was stopped in traffic. The collision caused injuries to the sedan’s occupants: a 50-year-old male driver and a 36-year-old female right rear passenger. Both were conscious but suffered whiplash, with the passenger also sustaining a head injury. Both occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain attention, leading to the rear-end collision. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777514 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 1 - A taxi driver traveling north on West 39th Street collided with a westbound sedan. The taxi’s left front bumper hit the sedan’s left side doors. The taxi driver, a 60-year-old man, suffered chest injuries and whiplash, with airbag deployment noted.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:27 AM on West 39th Street in Manhattan. A taxi traveling north struck a sedan traveling west. The point of impact was the taxi’s left front bumper against the sedan’s left side doors. The taxi driver, a 60-year-old male occupant, sustained chest injuries and whiplash, with the airbag deployed during the crash. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error on the taxi operator’s part. No contributing factors related to the victim or the sedan driver were listed. The taxi driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. Vehicle damage was limited to the left front bumper of the taxi and the left side doors of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776215 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 29 - A taxi collided with an e-bike on West 49th Street in Manhattan. The e-bike driver, a 34-year-old man, was partially ejected and suffered bruises and arm injuries. Police cited improper lane usage by the taxi as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:35 on West 49th Street near 9th Avenue in Manhattan. A taxi traveling west struck an e-bike traveling north. The point of impact was the taxi's left side doors and the e-bike's center front end. The e-bike driver, a 34-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the taxi operator. The e-bike driver was conscious and injured but no contributing factors related to the victim were noted. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775427 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 29 - A 33-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a 2023 SUV struck him on West 51st Street in Manhattan. The cyclist was partially ejected and wore a helmet. Police cited driver inattention as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:00 PM on West 51st Street in Manhattan. A 33-year-old male bicyclist was traveling westbound when he was struck on the right side doors by a 2023 Mercedes SUV that was parked and then moved. The bicyclist was partially ejected from his bike and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bicyclist was conscious and wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The police report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. The SUV sustained damage to its right side doors. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775418 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 24 - Two sedans traveling north on 10th Avenue collided head-on. Both drivers were injured and experienced shock. The impact damaged the center front and back ends of the vehicles. Injuries included neck trauma and unknown bodily harm.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on 10th Avenue collided at 18:34. The point of impact was the center front end of one vehicle and the center back end of the other. Both drivers were injured, with one suffering neck injuries and both reported to be in shock. Both occupants were wearing lap belts and were not ejected. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified for both drivers. The collision caused significant damage to the front and rear centers of the vehicles. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775230 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 15 - Two taxis collided on W 50 St in Manhattan when one struck the other from behind. A 22-year-old female passenger in the rear vehicle suffered a back injury and shock. The crash was caused by driver inattention and following too closely.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on W 50 St near 12 Ave in Manhattan at 16:20. Two taxis traveling north collided, with the front taxi struck on its center back end by the rear taxi's center front end. The rear taxi driver was inattentive and following too closely, contributing to the collision. A 22-year-old female occupant seated in the middle rear seat of the front taxi was injured, sustaining a back contusion and shock. She was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors, identifying driver errors as the cause. No victim behavior was noted as contributing. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving and tailgating in dense Manhattan traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771682 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 13 - A cyclist struck a 62-year-old woman crossing West 40th Street. The impact left her with head abrasions and shock. The bike’s front end hit her directly. She suffered serious injury in the crash.

According to the police report, a male cyclist traveling east on West 40th Street in Manhattan struck a 62-year-old woman as she crossed outside a crosswalk. The collision occurred at 16:20 near 314 W 40 St. The bike’s center front end hit the pedestrian, causing head abrasions and shock. The report lists no specific contributing factors for either party. The pedestrian was not in a crosswalk or at a signal. No helmet or safety equipment was noted for either person. The crash left the pedestrian seriously injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771214 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 12 - A 29-year-old bicyclist was injured and partially ejected after a collision with an SUV on West 42nd Street. The SUV driver, distracted, hit the cyclist’s right side doors with the vehicle’s left front bumper, causing facial contusions and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:41 on West 42nd Street in Manhattan. A 2017 SUV traveling west went straight ahead and collided with a bicyclist also traveling west who was changing lanes. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front bumper striking the right side doors of the bike. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old male wearing a helmet, was partially ejected and suffered facial contusions and shock. The report identifies driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle without indication of impairment. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in shared traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771272 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 10 - A 37-year-old female bicyclist was injured when an SUV made a left turn and struck her bike’s left rear bumper. The impact caused bruising and lower leg injuries. Police cited the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on W 44 St near 10 Ave in Manhattan at 5 p.m. A 37-year-old female bicyclist traveling west was struck by a 2022 Honda SUV making a left turn northeast. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front bumper colliding with the bike’s left rear bumper. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The police report explicitly cites the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors were listed for the bicyclist, and she was not ejected or wearing safety equipment. The collision highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles failing to yield to cyclists traveling straight.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771597 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 9 - A 4-year-old boy suffered a head contusion after a bike collided with him at a Manhattan intersection. The child was conscious but injured. The crash involved improper lane usage by the cyclist, highlighting dangerous driver behavior in shared road spaces.

According to the police report, a bike traveling north struck a 4-year-old pedestrian at an intersection near 725 10 Ave in Manhattan at 14:55. The child sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, indicating the cyclist failed to maintain proper lane discipline. The bike had no reported damage, and the cyclist was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The pedestrian was located in the roadway and engaged in 'Other Actions in Roadway,' but no contributing factors related to the victim's behavior were cited. The collision underscores the risks posed by improper lane usage by cyclists in areas with vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769881 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 3 - Two sedans slammed together on West 55th. Metal twisted. Two passengers hurt—neck abrasions, still conscious. One driver had no license. Streets stay dangerous for those inside and out.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on West 55th Street near 11th Avenue in Manhattan. Both vehicles were heading west when they struck, damaging the center front end of one car and the right front bumper of the other. Two passengers, aged 52 and 32, suffered neck abrasions but remained conscious. Airbags deployed. One driver was unlicensed, as shown by the 'Unlicensed' status and jurisdiction 'ZZZ.' The other driver was licensed. The report lists no other contributing factors or errors. The presence of an unlicensed driver stands out as a critical factor in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768763 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 28 - A 16-year-old girl was struck by a southbound school bus near 9th Avenue in Manhattan. She suffered bruises and lower leg injuries. The bus showed no damage. According to police, the crash involved other vehicular factors contributing to the collision.

At 8:12 AM in Manhattan near 539 9th Avenue, a 16-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2021 NOVA school bus traveling south struck her. According to the police report, the pedestrian was off the intersection engaging in other actions in the roadway. The bus sustained no damage or point of impact. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error or vehicle-related issues on the bus side. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The incident underscores risks posed by vehicle operations outside intersections and the impact on vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767692 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 27 - Sedan ran a traffic control at West 55th and 9th. Hit a 64-year-old man on an e-scooter. Rider suffered pelvic and abdominal injuries. Manhattan streets again prove deadly for those outside a car.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on West 55th Street collided with a northbound e-scooter at 9th Avenue in Manhattan at 7:44 PM. The 64-year-old e-scooter rider was injured, suffering abrasions and trauma to the abdomen and pelvis. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor for the sedan driver. No victim actions were cited as contributing factors. The sedan had no damage; the e-scooter was damaged. This crash shows the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls, leaving vulnerable road users hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767998 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 24 - A 16-year-old girl suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a vehicle struck her in Manhattan. The driver was traveling east, hitting the pedestrian with the vehicle’s center front end. The victim was left in shock, with no reported driver damage.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old female pedestrian was injured in a crash on West 50 Street in Manhattan at 15:16. The vehicle, driven by a male licensed in New York, was traveling straight ahead eastbound when it struck the pedestrian with the center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding, but the impact and injuries highlight the dangers pedestrians face. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769883 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 16 - A bus turning left on West 41 Street crashed into a parked sedan. Two male passengers inside suffered head injuries and whiplash. The sedan did not move. The bus struck hard, metal on metal.

According to the police report, a bus making a left turn on West 41 Street near 9 Avenue in Manhattan struck a parked sedan. The bus's left front bumper hit the sedan's right rear bumper. Two male passengers in the sedan, ages 28 and 34, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and not ejected. The sedan was stationary. The police report lists no contributing factors, but the bus driver’s action—turning into a parked vehicle—shows a failure to avoid collision. No errors are attributed to the sedan or its occupants. The crash exposes the risk posed by large vehicles turning on crowded city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765177 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 15 - A 28-year-old bicyclist suffered a hip and upper leg contusion after colliding with a parked sedan in Manhattan. The sedan was struck on its left side doors while the bicyclist was traveling eastbound. The bicyclist remained conscious and wore a helmet.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:51 near West 44 Street in Manhattan. A 28-year-old male bicyclist, traveling eastbound, collided with a parked 2021 Tesla sedan. The point of impact was the sedan's left side doors and the bike's right front quarter panel. The bicyclist sustained a hip and upper leg contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The sedan driver was licensed and the vehicle was stationary before impact. The collision caused damage to the left side doors of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763782 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18