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

SEE IT: Morning Carnage on Vanderbilt Avenue

The corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and Sterling Place was littered with debris after Tuesday morning’s crash. Photo: David Weiner

A woman who declined to give her name sifted through the debris to get her license plate. Photo: David Weiner
A woman sifted through the debris to get her license plate. Photo: David Weiner
A woman who declined to give her name sifted through the debris to get her license plate. Photo: David Weiner

A driver mowed down a lamppost at a busy Brooklyn corner Tuesday morning, shearing it — and a massive part of his car — clean off, an indication that someone was driving far too fast.

Cops did not release details of the crash, but the debris trail suggested that the driver was at the corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and Sterling Place when he either lost control of his car and slammed into the light post, or was struck by another driver.

The front end of the car was tangled in the debris of the lamppost. As a Streetsblog reporter took pictures, a person who identified herself as the owner of car's wife, sifted through the wreckage to retrieve the car's license plate. She did not offer her name, but said her husband was in the hospital. She did not answer questions about his involvement in the crash.

According to @howsmydrivingny, the car associated with that plate has two serious offenses: speeding and running a red light — both of which were caught on camera. The car was also slapped with tickets for 10 parking offenses.

In all, the driver has paid just $350 on a total of 13 tickets. It costs tens of thousands of dollars to replace a knocked-down lamppost, a cost that is borne by city taxpayers.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Analysis: Hochul’s $9 Congestion Toll May Stave Off Trump, But Won’t Reduce Traffic as Much

A $9 could raise enough money for the MTA and save face for Kathy Hochul, but it would not reduce traffic nearly enough.

November 8, 2024

Friday Video: Busting the ‘City of Yes’ Myths

There are many lies being told about Mayor Adams's City of Yes rezoning plan. So let's debunk them together!

November 8, 2024

New City Trash Bin Rules Begin Tuesday

New Yorkers who live in buildings with nine of fewer units must put their trash out in bins on the sidewalk starting Tuesday.

November 8, 2024

No Charges as Bus Driver Kills Senior at Dangerous Downtown Brooklyn Crossing

No surprise: In just the 22 months since January 2023, there have been 70 reported crashes on the single block of Tillary Street between Jay and Adams streets

November 7, 2024
See all posts