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Man falls to his death after MTA bus driver crashes into Midtown boom lift, NYPD says


By

Amanda Rozon

Published Jan 27, 2025

Modified Jan 27, 2025


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An MTA bus crosses 5th Avenue in Midtown on July 20, 2021.

 

Alexi Rosenfeld / Getty Images


By

Amanda Rozon

Published Jan 27, 2025

Modified Jan 27, 2025


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A man died after an MTA bus driver crashed into a boom lift he was on in Midtown on Sunday night, according to police.

The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. on 5th Avenue and East 51st Street near Rockefeller Center, the NYPD said. The 44-year-old driver was heading south on the avenue when he hit the base of the lift, which was protruding onto the roadway, officials said.

The worker then fell off the lift, sustaining a head injury and other injuries, according to police. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police identified the victim as 39-year-old Vladamir Cruz, a resident of the South Bronx.

The driver stayed at the scene, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues, the NYPD said.

An MTA spokesperson confirmed the incident involved an M1 bus in service, but no passengers were reported injured. He said the passengers were transferred to another bus, and pointed to public safety agencies for further comment.

This is a developing story and has been updated.

Andrew Giambrone contributed reporting.

Tagged

new york city

public safety

transportation


Amanda Rozon

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