EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) — Neighbors in East Harlem are mourning a friend who was killed Tuesday in a chain reaction crash.
Li Ying Liang, 75, died when a private garbage truck slammed into parked cars and knocked over a sidewalk shed.
“It could have gone into the church or into the building. It’s alarming to think of the ways it could have played out,” said Jasmine Griffin.
Security cameras show a private hauler garbage truck crashing into unoccupied cars along First Avenue and swerving toward East 101st Street.
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Residents say the woman made the block feel like home during her strolls with a walker on the block.
“She’s known for watering the flowers during the summer. It’s sad because she took care of the community. It’s a wild accident,” said Jose.
Investigators were on scene through the afternoon. A cause has not been announced.
A tow truck removed the private hauler’s truck, which is based in Clifton, NJ. A call to the company was not returned.
Neighbors want to know what caused the crash. Some did raise concerns about speeding on the avenue.
Records from the Department of Buildings show the shed was permitted in 2023 through February 2026 with current inspections. The structure was installed due to issues with the exterior of the building.
It will be rebuilt, according to officials.
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