Manhattan, NY (October 21, 2025) – A major collision near Penn Station left 10 people injured, including one in critical condition, after a box truck struck a parked van and pushed it onto a crowded sidewalk on Monday afternoon, October 20.
The crash occurred around 4 p.m. along Eighth Avenue between West 29th and West 30th Streets, one of New York City’s busiest pedestrian areas. According to the New York City Police Department, the box truck was heading north when it hit an unoccupied van parked on the east side of the avenue. The impact forced the van onto the sidewalk, where it struck a group of pedestrians.
Eight pedestrians were injured, along with two occupants inside the truck. Emergency crews rushed all ten victims to Bellevue Hospital. One person suffered critical injuries, while the others were treated for non-life-threatening wounds.
The driver of the truck remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Police said no criminal behavior was suspected at this time. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with everyone injured in this terrible incident, and we hope for their full recovery.
Pedestrian Accidents in New York
Pedestrian accidents in densely populated areas like Midtown Manhattan are particularly dangerous due to heavy foot traffic, narrow streets, and limited visibility. The combination of large vehicles and crowded sidewalks can lead to devastating consequences, as seen in this recent accident.
Several factors commonly contribute to these types of pedestrian accidents, including:
Driver fatigue: Truck operators often work long hours, leading to delayed reaction times.
Distracted driving: Even a brief moment of distraction, such as checking a GPS or phone, can cause catastrophic results.
Mechanical failure: Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or steering systems can lead to loss of control.
Unsafe speeds: Driving too fast for city conditions increases the risk of losing control in congested areas.
Limited visibility: Large trucks have significant blind spots, making it difficult to see smaller vehicles or pedestrians nearby.
Weather and road conditions: Rain, glare, or poor road maintenance can make maneuvering through city streets even more hazardous.
In urban environments like New York City, where thousands of pedestrians cross busy intersections daily, even minor mistakes behind the wheel can result in multiple injuries. These crashes often trigger chain reactions, especially during peak commuter hours when sidewalks and intersections are packed.
Victims of these accidents may face long recovery times, high medical bills, and emotional distress. Identifying the cause of a truck crash is essential for determining liability and ensuring injured individuals receive proper compensation.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help victims understand their rights, navigate complex insurance claims, and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Having a legal advocate ensures that victims are not taken advantage of by insurance companies and that those responsible are held accountable.
At Metro Law, we have extensive experience representing victims of serious pedestrian and vehicle accidents. Our legal team understands the complexity of investigating these collisions and holding negligent parties accountable.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York, don’t wait to get help. Contact Metro Law today at (800) 469-6476 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney. We’re here to protect your rights and help you rebuild after a devastating crash.