An 81-year-old Mercedes driver allegedly sped through a Bronx intersection while trying to beat a traffic light Friday afternoon, triggering a chain-reaction crash that killed two pedestrians and sent several vehicles colliding in broad daylight, law enforcement sources said.
The driver was traveling west on Allerton Avenue when he ran a red light at Holland Avenue shortly after 2:15 p.m., according to police.
He first slammed into two vehicles from behind, with the force of the collision sending two additional cars into the chaotic pileup, authorities said.
Amid the crash, four women ranging in age from 50 to 60 were struck as they crossed the street, police and sources said.
The women were rushed to Jacobi Medical Center. Two later died, one remained in critical condition and the fourth was expected to survive, according to the sources.
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The motorist was conscious and alert and suffered minor injuries. He reportedly told a witness that he had been trying to beat the light.
FDNY officials said emergency medical crews treated nine people after the violent Bronx crash.
The driver remained conscious and alert despite minor injuries and told a witness he was attempting to get through the traffic signal before it changed.
According to the FDNY, EMS responders treated nine people at the scene and transported victims for medical care.
Police said no arrests had been made immediately following the crash.
