New York car accident leaves 2 dead, 1 injured

A serious crash in the Bronx has claimed two lives and left a third person in serious condition, according to local police. New York authorities responded to the car accident around 4:30 on the morning of Sept. 12. Police have reason to believe high speed may have been a factor in the accident, though they have not speculated as to whether any other factors may have played a role.

According to the accident report, a small vehicle was traveling southbound when it hit a concrete barrier, propelling the vehicle into the air. The car went on to strike a tree with enough force to tear the vehicle in half, causing the wreck to catch fire. A 20-year-old male passenger in the rear seat was trapped and was tragically killed. A front seat passenger, also 20 and male, and the driver were both injured in the accident and were rushed to local hospitals.

The front seat passenger was later pronounced dead of his injuries. The driver managed to survive, but his status has been listed as critical as of this report. It is unclear whether police intend to press charges against the driver. The investigation remains open at this time.

If New York police determine the driver was speeding at the time of the car accident, and that the high speed played a role in the death of his passenger, it is likely he will face criminal charges. These charges will be exacerbated if further evidence of intoxication or recklessness is uncovered. Separately, the family of the deceased passenger will be entitled under state law to file for wrongful death in civil court.

Source: New York Post, “2 dead, 1 critical after Bronx crash“, Aaron Feis, Sept. 12, 2014