NYC Taxi Crash Miraculously Leaves Two Women with Minor Injuries

On March 14, 2026, at approximately 2:45 PM, a taxi driver lost control of her vehicle while making a turn at the intersection of Essex and Rivington streets in Manhattan's Lower East Side. The cab accelerated unexpectedly, jumped the curb, and struck two women who were standing on the sidewalk outside a Deli Grocery. Security footage captured the moment, showing the women being thrown onto the hood of the taxi before the vehicle crashed into the deli's storefront, causing significant damage.

New York Post

The two women, both in their 20s, were reportedly doing their makeup on the sidewalk when the incident occurred. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and surreal. One bystander recounted, “I was eating right next door... this cab lost control, hit the two girls.” The impact was severe enough to send one woman tumbling down into the deli's basement through open cellar doors, a fall that may have saved her life by preventing her from being crushed between the cab and the building.

New York Post

Another witness noted, “We tried calling her name and then we heard a little whisper, ‘I’m right here, I’m right here!’” indicating the woman in the basement was conscious and responsive. Both women were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and are expected to recover.

The taxi crash resulted in extensive damage to the deli's exterior, including shattered glass panels and a damaged HVAC unit. Fortunately, city officials confirmed that the building itself did not suffer structural damage. The taxi's passengers, who appeared stunned but unharmed, exited the vehicle shortly after the crash.

The deli owner expressed relief that the outcome was not worse, stating, “Everybody is safe. That’s what we are all happy about.” The taxi driver, a woman in her 20s, was also unharmed, and police indicated that no criminality is suspected, meaning the driver has not faced any charges related to the incident.

Authorities have not released detailed information regarding the cause of the driver losing control. However, the incident has raised concerns among local businesses and residents about pedestrian safety in the area. Witnesses and nearby shop owners expressed shock and fear during the event, with one worker stating, “I thought it was us right here across the street... but nah, I look out, there’s smoke, there’s a car.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by vehicles in urban environments. While the outcome was fortunate, with all involved expected to recover, it highlights the need for ongoing discussions about pedestrian safety measures in busy city areas.