New York car accident leaves woman dead, driver charged

A single-car crash has left one woman dead on Harlem River Drive, and the driver behind the wheel has been charged with DUI. The car accident happened in the early hours of May 24 and is still being investigated by New York police. The driver is in custody after the crash caused hours of delays in the northbound and southbound lanes. 

According to witnesses, the driver was attempting to exit onto the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge when she lost control of the vehicle around 5:40 a.m. The car subsequently struck a tree in the median, catching fire in the process. The driver and two passengers were stuck in the car as a result of the crash. 

Police and emergency services responded shortly thereafter. One passenger, a 24-year-old woman, was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival. The condition of the second passenger is unknown at this time. The driver, another 24-year-old woman, was summarily arrested by New York police and charged with DUI and unlicensed vehicle operation. So far, no court date has been publicly announced by authorities in connection with this case. 

A New York car accident attributed to DUI is a profound tragedy, both for the fact that it was preventable and for the fatality involved. If found guilty of the criminal charges, the driver may face years in jail as a result. Separately, the family of the deceased passenger, as well as any other injured parties, will be entitled to file suit against the driver in a civil capacity. Evidence of drunk driving in this case would likely help to establish financial liability in court. 

Source: CBS New York, “Driver Charged After Woman Killed In Fiery Single-Car Crash On Harlem River Drive“, May 24, 2015