Driver jumps into Harlem River to escape fiery crash on the FDR: NYPD
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) --- A driver jumped into the Harlem River to escape a fiery crash on a Manhattan highway on Christmas Eve, authorities said.
The incident happened on the FDR near East 102nd Street at around 6:30 a.m. Sunday, police said. The woman, 23, was driving a sedan northbound on the FDR when she struck several barriers, causing the car to burst into flames, according to an NYPD spokesperson.
The woman panicked and jumped into the river, police said.
The driver was rescued from the water and taken to the hospital for treatment, police said.
Sources said the woman was driving under the influence and charges are pending.
The investigation is ongoing.
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.