Jan 23, 2009 6:17 am US/Eastern
Chinatown Horror: Van Hits 19, Kills 2 Children
1 Child Fighting For Life, 14 Others Treated For Bumps, Bruises At Bellevue Hospital; Driver Not Charged
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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A food delivery van hopped the curb and struck 17 people in Chinatown, killing two children.
CBS
There was heartbreak in the heart of Chinatown on Thursday.
A 4-year-old girl was fighting for her life in Beekman Hospital Thursday night after she and her two preschool friends were struck by an out of control delivery van.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. at 38 E. Broadway off of Catherine Street. The vehicle struck 19 people, including 17 children. Most walked away with just some bumps and bruises, but the day ended tragically for the families of two others.
"The littlest kid got caught under the truck and it was like a bang and it was whole bunch of chaos. People screaming, crying," witness Christopher Barnes said.
"One guy … he holding the girl and she got blood all over her hair." a witness named "Yao" said.
Hayley Ng was pronounced dead at the scene. Three-year-old Diego Martinez was taken to Beekman Hospital where he died. Their preschool group had just finished a field trip to the library when the tragedy occurred.
"Dumbfounded … amazed … shocked," was all witness Gina Leon could manage.
Added Liana Llores: "Everyone is in shock and upset."
Police said the driver of the delivery van thought he put it in park, but when he stepped out the unoccupied van lurched onto the sidewalk. Police said the driver's story is backed up by footage from security cameras on East Broadway.
Police questioned the driver at the 5th Precinct stationhouse. Investigators ruled it an accident and no charges were filed.
The other children were checked out as a precaution at Bellevue Hospital. Parents arrived frantic, but left very happy and relieved.
"The parents were relieved to see and hug their children and talk to them," said George Foltin of the Pediatric Emergency Service.
Parents also rushed to the pre-school, the Red Apple Child Development Center, which released a statement on Thursday night:
"Our hearts go out to the families of all of the children involved and especially to the two families who suffered the loss of their child. We are doing everything possible to provide support to our students, parents, and their loved ones," said director Xiaoping Fan.
Others said they will do everything in their power to help the victims' families.
"Just be there, be supportive friends and just try to support them what they are going through," Demi Chandler said.
Chandler is a neighbor of the devastated Martinez in Chelsea. The boy's relatives were too distraught to talk about their loss.
At the Ng home on Monroe Street several community leaders stopped by to offer emotional and financial support.
"Come together we, whatever. We have donation for them, the family," said Jimmy Cheng of the United Fujianese Association.
Also on Thursday night, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said something must be done about Chinatown's "overwhelming amount of truck traffic."
Please stay tuned to CBS 2 HD and wcbstv.com for more on this developing story.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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