In a devastating turn of events, three people were killed and seven others injured when a suspected drunk driver lost control and crashed his vehicle into a crowded park on New York City’s Lower East Side. The incident, which occurred at 8:53 p.m. on Thursday, involved a gray Ford F-150 driven by Daniel Hyden, 44, from Monmouth Junction, New Jersey.

Authorities reported that Hyden was driving eastbound on Water Street when he sped through a stop sign, jumped the curb, and violently entered Corlears Hook Park. The pickup truck was found on top of four of the victims when emergency services arrived. Bystanders detained Hyden until police could take him into custody. He has been charged with multiple counts, including eight counts of recklessly causing serious injury, aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Among the deceased were 59-year-old Lucille Pinkney and her 38-year-old son, Herman Pinkney, highlighting the personal tragedy of the event. Another victim’s identity is withheld pending family notification. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit worked tirelessly to extract the victims from beneath the vehicle. A 30-year-old woman remains in critical condition, while the conditions of the other six, including an 11-year-old boy and an 18-year-old woman, have stabilized.

Interestingly, Daniel Hyden is a substance abuse counselor who authored a book in 2020 on coping with addiction. First responders detected alcohol on Hyden’s breath at the scene, and tests are underway to confirm his intoxication level during the incident. Authorities have ruled out terrorism but continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

This tragic incident has shocked the community and raised serious questions about road safety and the enforcement of traffic laws. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and preventing such incidents in the future.

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