18 injured in pedestrian accidents

HARLEM (WABC) -- More than a dozen pedestrians were struck in three separate incidents around New York City Friday.

The latest incident happened at 7th Avenue and West 36th Street just after 5 p.m. A car jumped a curb, striking 10 people.

Three victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition, while three others were taken to St. Vincent's Hospital also in stable condition. Four victims declined medical aid.

The driver of the car, according to witnesses, fled the scene and returned moments later. The 23-year-old driver was was issued a summons for unlicensed operator. The owner of the vehicle, a 28-year-old man, was issued a summons for allowing an unlicensed person access to the auto. No arrests were made, and the investigation is ongoing.

The 60-year-old driver was parking in front of 45 Rutgers Street when he allegedly hit the gas pedal instead of the brake.

His large vehicle crashed into a large group of people, including four people sitting on a bench.

Victims went flying through the air as the SUV crashed through them.

Five of the pedestrians were rushed to Bellevue Medical Center with various injuries.

Among the victims were a 42-year-old mother of five, whose legs were crushed, and a 57-year-old fruit vendor.

Two others were taken to NYU Downtown Hospital with less serious injuries.

All seven pedestrians were expected to survive.

The driver, who broke into tears following the crash, was questioned and released.

Authorities concluded the driver hit the gas pedal instead of the brake.

Some witnesses were outraged he was released without a blood or alcohol test.

Meanwhile, Newscopter7 was live over the scene where a woman was struck by a livery cab that jumped onto the sidewalk in Harlem.

The woman, a nurse, was struck on Park Avenue near East 125th Street, just before noon.

She was taken to Harlem Hospital with various injuries.

The car, a livery cab, struck the woman and crashed into a Washington Mutual bank.

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