A terrifying afternoon turned into tragedy when an 81-year-old driver allegedly ran a red light, struck pedestrians, and slammed into several vehicles, triggering a devastating chain-reaction crash. Two women lost their lives, while seven other people were injured.
The horrific accident occurred on Friday, October 9, 2026, in the Bronx, New York City.
What began as an ordinary afternoon at a busy intersection ended with shattered vehicles, injured pedestrians, emergency responders rushing to the scene, and families receiving devastating news.
Authorities say nine people were transported to a nearby hospital following the collision, including two women who later died from their injuries.
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A Normal Afternoon Turns Into a Nightmare
At approximately 2:14 p.m., an 81-year-old man was driving a white Mercedes-Benz C300 westbound along Allerton Avenue.
As the vehicle approached the intersection with Holland Avenue, something went terribly wrong.
According to police, the Mercedes struck a pedestrian in one crosswalk before continuing through a red traffic signal.
The vehicle then struck three additional women in another crosswalk.
Moments later, the Mercedes collided with other vehicles, causing a chain reaction that involved four vehicles in total.
The impact left multiple people injured and scattered debris across the busy intersection.
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Two Women Tragically Lose Their Lives
Police later identified the two women who died as Angel Johnson, 39, and Robin Kennedy, 57, both residents of the Bronx.
Emergency medical personnel transported the victims to Jacobi Medical Center.
Despite efforts to save them, both women were pronounced dead at the hospital.
Two other female pedestrians were also injured.
An 84-year-old woman was reported to be in critical condition, while a 60-year-old woman was listed in stable condition.
The elderly driver, his passenger, and other motorists involved in the collision were also hospitalized with injuries.
In total, nine people were transported to the hospital, including the two women who died.
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Witnesses Describe Terrifying Moments
Witnesses described a frightening scene as the vehicle accelerated toward the intersection.
Surveillance footage obtained by local news organizations reportedly showed the white Mercedes moving rapidly into the intersection before striking pedestrians and other vehicles.
Some victims were thrown by the force of the impact.
People nearby rushed to understand what had happened as emergency personnel arrived.
One witness told CBS New York:
“I saw multiple people get hit by a car, and it was horrific.”
Another witness, Abdul Titumir, told NBC New York that the driver had reportedly said he could not stop.
Investigators have not established whether a mechanical malfunction, medical emergency, or another factor caused the driver to lose control.
The accounts from witnesses illustrate how quickly an ordinary intersection became the scene of a deadly emergency.
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Investigators Examine What Caused the Crash
One of the biggest unanswered questions is why the Mercedes accelerated through the intersection.
Authorities have been investigating whether the elderly driver may have experienced a medical episode before the collision.
However, a medical emergency has not been confirmed as the cause.
Investigators are examining the available evidence, including surveillance footage, witness accounts, and the sequence of vehicle impacts.
The driver’s age has attracted attention, but age alone does not establish why the collision occurred.
As of the latest available reports, police had not announced any arrests or criminal charges.
The investigation remains under the responsibility of the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad.
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A Community Mourns Two Lives Lost
For residents of the neighborhood, the tragedy has been deeply upsetting.
Angel Johnson was remembered by people who knew her as a friendly and familiar presence.
Abdul Titumir, a longtime local business worker, recalled seeing her regularly around the neighborhood and described her as someone who enjoyed talking with others.
Another neighbor told CBS New York that three of the women involved were relatives who were frequently seen together.
The loss has left families and neighbors grieving.
What makes the tragedy particularly painful is that the victims were pedestrians going about their day when the collision occurred.
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The Crash Raises Questions About Road Safety
The accident has renewed attention to the dangers pedestrians face at busy intersections.
Crosswalks and traffic signals are designed to protect people crossing the street, but a vehicle entering an intersection unexpectedly can create catastrophic consequences.
Chain-reaction crashes are especially dangerous because the initial collision can push vehicles into other cars, sidewalks, or pedestrians.
The resulting injuries may involve people who had no opportunity to react.
Investigators must now determine exactly what caused this particular incident before responsibility can be fully established.
What Happens Next?
The NYPD continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Authorities will need to determine why the driver failed to stop, whether any medical or mechanical issue contributed, and how the impacts unfolded.
The findings may help establish whether charges or other legal action are appropriate.
Meanwhile, the families of Angel Johnson and Robin Kennedy are left facing the devastating consequences of a crash that unfolded in seconds.
A Tragic Reminder of How Quickly Lives Can Change
On October 9, 2026, nine people were taken to a hospital following a violent collision involving pedestrians and multiple vehicles.
Two women never returned home.
Another elderly pedestrian was critically injured, and several others were left recovering from their injuries.
For the victims’ families, the tragedy represents an irreversible loss.
For the surrounding community, it is a painful reminder of the vulnerability of pedestrians, even when crossing at designated intersections.
As investigators continue working to establish what went wrong, the deaths of Angel Johnson and Robin Kennedy remain the most heartbreaking consequences of the crash.
Published October 13, 2026. Based on reporting from NBC New York, CBS New York, News 12 and People. The investigation was ongoing at the time of publication. Image search results are illustrative unless independently verified as photographs of this specific accident.
Sources: NBC New York · CBS New York · People
