A suspected drunk driver crashed a Ford F-150 into a Fourth of July crowd at Corlears Hook Park in NYC, killing three and injuring several others, authorities reported Tuesday night.

The tragic incident unfolded around 9 p.m. in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, where a cumulative nine people were struck, resulting in two immediate fatalities and one additional death reported later. Authorities indicated signs of alcohol involvement, and the driver, who was restrained by park-goers until police arrived, faces severe scrutiny as testing continues. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that this appears to be a straightforward DUI case, not a terror act.

The crash involved a Ford F-150 pickup truck, which barreled into the festive crowd gathered at Corlears Hook Park on the Fourth of July. The celebration, which attracted a sizable crowd, turned tragic when the vehicle struck several individuals, causing immediate chaos and concern among attendees.

Emergency services received reports of the accident at approximately 8:55 p.m. (according to NBC), or about 9 p.m. (as reported by CNN). Upon their arrival, first responders found a devastating scene. Two individuals were declared dead at the site of the crash. Among the nine people hit, six were injured, with varying degrees of severity.

Of the injured, two victims were listed in critical condition, three were considered in serious condition, and two others sustained injuries deemed not serious. Despite the prompt response by emergency services, these numbers underline the tragic impact of the crash on the community gathered for the holiday celebration.

A somber update came later, revealing a third fatality tied to the incident. This elevates the gravity of the crash, amplifying the community's grief and raising significant concern over driving under the influence during public events.

At the heart of the investigation is the driver of the Ford F-150, whose actions resulted in the multiple casualties. Mayor Eric Adams indicated that initial evaluations suggested the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, and officers noted the smell of alcohol on the driver's breath during the initial interactions. Further testing is underway to confirm these suspicions.

Eyewitnesses and individuals present at the park played a crucial role in the immediate aftermath of the crash. Several park-goers restrained the driver, ensuring the person could not flee the scene before law enforcement arrived. Their quick actions likely facilitated a rapid response by officials and prevented further potential harm.

When first responders arrived, they encountered a particularly grim situation as four of the victims were found trapped underneath the pickup truck. The severity of the injuries and the scene required an immediate and coordinated response from paramedics, firefighters, and police officers.

Mayor Adams sought to allay fears by confirming that there is no evidence to suggest the crash was an act of terrorism, describing it instead as an apparent incident of driving under the influence. This categorization shifts focus to the alleged DUI, a serious offense with potentially deadly consequences, as clearly demonstrated by this tragic event.

This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving. The New York City community, reeling from the events, is likely to see a rigorous investigation and legal proceedings in the coming months.

Local authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the driver involved, pending notification of the families and further investigative steps. However, the commitment to transparency and thorough investigation has been affirmed by city officials as they process this impactful event.

New Yorkers and observers can expect updated information as the medical examinations, alcohol testing, and legal assessments continue. Officials have emphasized the importance of these procedures in ensuring justice for the victims and preventing future occurrences of such tragic events.