Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Carnage

Few Details From NYPD After Sanitation Truck Driver Kills Woman in Greenwich Village

A sanitation truck driver killed a 60-year-old woman at Greenwich Avenue, Sixth Avenue, and W. Eighth Street. NYPD had few details on how the collision occurred and did not say who the right of way. Image: Google Maps

The driver of a private sanitation truck killed a 60-year-old woman in Greenwich Village last night.

[Update: The victim was identified as Fern Jones. The driver who killed her worked for M&M Sanitation.]

The collision occurred at around 11:40 p.m. at the intersection of Greenwich Avenue, Sixth Avenue, and W. Eighth Street. NYPD told DNAinfo the victim was walking south across the eastern leg of the intersection when the eastbound driver ran her over.

From the Daily News:

Elana Abt, 25, watched in horror as the slow-moving truck hit the woman, pulling her under one of its wheels.

"She basically got pulled underneath and it crushed her skull. You can hear everything break," she said. “I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. There's no words to describe what you feel when you literally watch someone die."

The victim was pronounced dead at Lenox Health Greenwich Village.

NYPD had not released the woman’s identity as of late this morning, and the department’s public information office said it had no further details on the crash.

Image: NY1
Image: NY1
Image: NY1

Police withheld the name of the driver, who was identified only as a 46-year-old man. NYPD normally does not disclose the names of motorists who kill people unless charges are filed.

Private sanitation trucks have the highest pedestrian kill rate of any type of vehicle in NYC, according to “Killed by Automobile,” a landmark 1999 analysis of crash data produced by Charles Komanoff [PDF].

Last summer, City Hall released a blueprint to reform the trash hauling industry that's projected to reduce private carting traffic by as much as 15 million miles annually, or 62 percent. Some private carting companies opposed those policies, which aim to consolidate redundant routes, but the city said it would develop a detailed implementation plan over the course of the next two years. Until reforms are implemented, New Yorkers will face unnecessary risks from this industry.

Drivers of private trash trucks struck and killed four people in NYC in 2016, and three in 2015, according to crash data tracked by Streetsblog.

This fatal crash occurred in the 6th Precinct, and in the City Council district represented by Corey Johnson.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Patch Job: Hudson River Greenway Uptown Returns Next Week, For Now

The answer to the sinkhole greenway is right there: taking a lane from the Henry Hudson Parkway.

December 13, 2024

America Has A New ‘Friendliest’ State for Cycling

...but even the best of the best isn't doing enough to protect people on two wheels, a top advocacy group warns.

December 12, 2024

Two Council Members Abandon E-Bike Registration Bill After Divisive Hearing

Council members Chi Ossé and Yusef Salaam pulled their support of a City Council bill that seeks to register all e-bikes.

December 12, 2024

DEP Will Make Idling Complaint Videos Available Online for Violators

The Department of Environmental Protection hopes increased transparency will spur more companies to plead guilty to idling violations without demanding a trial.

December 12, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Ghost Car Update Edition

It's not all bad news out there! Sure, the City Council may restrict e-bike use, but the mayor's initiative against ghost cars is gaining speed. Plus other news.

December 12, 2024
See all posts