Investigators of a horrific Halloween crash that killed three people including a 10-year-old girl are looking at whether a medical problem may have caused the motorist to smash into the group of New York City trick-or-treaters, police said Sunday.
The car jumped a curb in the Bronx on Saturday evening, leaving behind mangled bodies and bloodied costumes as neighbors ran to help. Police were examining whether the driver may have suffered a medical emergency.
A 65-year-old grandfather suffered severe head trauma and died at the scene, police said. His 10-year-old granddaughter was pronounced dead at a hospital. The girl’s 3-year-old sister was also hospitalized.
A 24-year-old man was also killed. His 9-year-old sister and a 21-year-old female friend were injured but not critically.
A black Dodge Charger being driven by a 52-year-old man plowed into the pedestrians on a sidewalk and then smashed through a fence in front of a home, police said. The driver was taken to a hospital in stable condition. No charges had been announced as of Sunday, police said.
In Minneapolis, police say a 5-year-old boy who was trick-or-treating with adults on Halloween died after he was struck by a car while crossing a street.
A preliminary investigation shows the boy was hit by the car as he crossed Victory Memorial Parkway, then became trapped under the car. Police say the boy was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash. Police say the driver stopped and is cooperating with investigators.
Authorities in Pennsylvania and Minnesota are investigating reports of needle-like objects found in Halloween candy, while police in Massachusetts say someone left out samples of cough syrup for trick-or-treaters.
Investigators said candy and packaging containing the objects have been submitted for examination.
No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
