Investigators are examining why a Mercedes driven by an 81-year-old man accelerated through an Allerton intersection before a multi-vehicle crash.
NEW YORK — Investigators are examining whether a medical episode contributed to a chain-reaction crash in the Bronx that killed two pedestrians, critically injured another and sent several other people to the hospital.
The crash happened shortly after 2 p.m. Friday near Allerton and Holland avenues, where police said an 81-year-old man driving a Mercedes-Benz lost control and struck four women before the vehicle became involved in collisions with several other cars. Two of the pedestrians, Angel Johnson, 39, and Robin Kennedy, 57, died at Jacobi Medical Center.
Police were still working Saturday to establish what caused the driver to lose control. Investigators have considered the possibility that he suffered a medical episode, but authorities had not announced a final finding. The driver was conscious and alert after the crash and was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
The sequence unfolded rapidly at the busy neighborhood intersection. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes moving through the roadway and striking pedestrians before crashing into other vehicles. Police said the Mercedes rear-ended two vehicles and then collided with two additional vehicles, creating a chain reaction involving traffic around the intersection.
Four women were struck during the crash. Johnson and Kennedy were pronounced dead after being taken to Jacobi Medical Center. Police said an 84-year-old woman remained in critical condition Saturday and a 60-year-old woman was in stable condition. Several occupants of the vehicles involved were also hospitalized and were reported in stable condition.
Emergency crews converged on the area after reports that multiple pedestrians had been hit. Early information from authorities changed as responders assessed the scene, with initial reports listing several people in critical condition. The full toll became clearer later Friday as police continued interviewing people and reviewing evidence.
The crash also caused significant disruption around Allerton Avenue. New York City emergency officials warned of road closures, delays and a heavy emergency presence in the area Friday afternoon. Nearby businesses were damaged during the collision, and debris from the impact was scattered near the intersection.
Authorities have not said that a mechanical failure caused the crash, and they have not established that a medical emergency was responsible. Accounts gathered shortly after the collision included different descriptions of the moments before impact, leaving investigators to determine the sequence through surveillance footage, physical evidence and interviews.
No arrests had been made by Saturday, and police had announced no criminal charges against the 81-year-old driver. Investigators were continuing to examine the Mercedes and the other vehicles involved while reviewing evidence from the intersection.
The investigation is expected to focus on why the Mercedes accelerated and whether the driver was able to control or stop the vehicle before reaching the pedestrians and other traffic. Police said the case remains under investigation, while one surviving pedestrian continues to be treated in critical condition.
Author note: Last updated Oct. 10, 2026.