NEW YORK – At least seven people were rushed to the hospital after a multi-vehicle accident sent two vehicles through an open-air restaurant and concession stand near Midtown, Manhattan.
The incident occurred at around 8:37 am at a location between E 50th Street and 2nd Avenue, according to the New York Fire Department (FDNY).
Firefighters said they had secured the scaffolding and debris.
An initial report of four hospitalized people was later updated to at least seven as the FDNY continued its investigation.
The accident was triggered when a pickup truck driving down Second Avenue struck a black Toyota Camry, sending it into the outdoor dining area connected to Crave Fishbar, a corner restaurant. No one in the open-air restaurant was injured.
NYPD officials say the van continued through a food stand in the area and struck three pedestrians.
Two boys, ages five and seven, were injured by the broken rubble of the dining room, according to police. In total, five adults and two children were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but police officers took the truck into custody.
Recorded video of the scene shows pieces of wood scattered across the road from the impact of the crash.
Fire crews secured the scaffold located at the scene of the incident.