Bronx Halloween Crash Victims Remembered In Candlelit Vigil
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Investigators are looking into whether a medical condition may have caused a motorist to smash into a group of New York City trick-or-treaters, killing three people, including a 10-year-old girl.
The car jumped a curb in the Bronx leaving behind mangled bodies and bloodied costumes. Police are examining whether a medical problem such as a seizure may have been involved.
The collision happened around 5 p.m. on Morris Park and Bogart avenues in the Morris Park section.
The 52-year-old driver was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Police say he struck the pedestrians and then went through a fence in front of a home.
Police have identified the three people who were killed. Three others who were struck were being treated at the hospital for their injuries, CBS2's Ilana Gold reported.
Louis Perez, 65, and his granddaughter, Nyanna Aquil, 10, died from the impact. His other 3-year-old granddaughter was rushed to the hospital in stable condition.
"All I can think of is, I hope he makes it, I hope he makes it," said witness Fabio Cotza.
Cotza rushed over to try to help save the family before paramedics arrived.
"You wish you could have done more," Cotza said.
He also tried to help 24-year-old Kristian Leka, who died in the crash. Police say Leka's 9-year-old sister and 21-year-old friend were also hit and suffered minor injuries.
"You can't imagine that something like that is real," Cotza said. "It looked like something from a war movie."
Anthony saw the Charger become airborne and then ran across the street to help.
"One guy was laying under the back wheel," he told 1010 WINS' Roger Stern. "The back wheel was actually on his stomach."
Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement Sunday afternoon saying: "Last night's crash tore apart two families. These three innocent people were lost on a day normally filled with childhood laughter and joy. Our prayers are with them, their families, and those pedestrians still struggling with their injuries. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad will leave no stone unturned in its investigation."
On Sunday night, a candlelit gathering of grief-stricken relatives gathered at the spot where the accident happened. Neighbors created a small memorial at the sight, lighting candles and taking a moment to console each other.
"Life is short, life is very precious and you have to always, always remember to love people, hug your loved ones," Natalia Perez, Nyanna's mother, said. "Don't argue don't fight, don't waste any moments with them."
Many neighbors knew Perez and said he has a special love for all of his grandchildren, especially Nyanna, WLNY's Valerie Castro reported.
"The grandfather, he was so devoted to his three grandchildren, Carole Ricci said. "He picked them up every day from school and he always thanked us for taking care of his girls."
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