Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
amd_van.jpgPhoto: Hermann/New York Daily News

Yesterday's horrific crash in Chinatown has us groping for answers. Why were there no bollards or other design elements to protect pedestrians on such a crowded street? Why did the driver have to double park to do his business? How could he be so careless as to leave his van running and in reverse? How can two more innocent people -- preschoolers -- die such violent deaths, and no one is held accountable? Would this have happened if our legal system weren't so cavalier about loss of pedestrian life and limb?

And where are our city leaders today? Please correct us if we're wrong, but other than Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, we have seen no word from electeds on this senseless tragedy, or on what can and should be done to prevent the next one. How can an issue like parking grace periods earn so much attention from public officials while kids' bodies under bloody tarps fail to elicit a press release?

Where are you Mayor Bloomberg? John Liu? Alan Gerson? New Yorkers are dying out here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

ANALYSIS: With ‘State of the Agency’ Celebration, DOT Sends Its Resumé to Mamdani

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez held an invitation-only valedictory address that misrepresented the agency's accomplishments — and called out reporters just trying to do their jobs.

December 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Biden Their Time Edition

All the signs point to not wanting to piss off the president. Plus other news.

December 3, 2025

OPINION: On Fifth Avenue, Pedestrians Must Come First

Business leaders on Fifth Avenue respond to criticisms of Mayor Adams's proposal for the high-end retail corridor.

December 3, 2025

Streetsies 2025: Revisit Our Most-Read Stories of the Year

Let's kick off our year-in-review season with a riddle: What's orange and black and read all over? (Answer: Streetsblog!)

December 3, 2025

Rep. Ritchie Torres, Advocates Call For More Public Comment on Cross Bronx Project

The public was given until just Jan. 9 to weigh in on the 6,000-page document — a 53-day period that includes multiple holidays.

December 2, 2025

Giving Tuesday: Donate and Get Your ‘Official’ Streetsblog Parking Placard Here!

This year, your donation comes with the ultimate city perk: a completely official-looking, yet completely fake, Streetsblog parking placard! Donate today!

December 2, 2025
See all posts