22 injured and one dead after car rams into pedestrians in New York’s Times Square – UPDATE

22 people were injured and one died after a car rammed into pedestrians in Times Square, one of the busiest and iconic places in New York.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters there was no indication it was an act of terrorism and that the driver had two previous arrests for drunk driving. Police identified the motorist as Richard Rojas, 26, of New York.

City officials said the dead woman was 18 years old.

The driver is in custody and the area has been sealed off.

Due to a vehicle collision with pedestrian injuries, emergency vehicles are in the area of #TimesSquare. Expect delays in the area.

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 18, 2017

Update from Times Square regarding the vehicle collision https://t.co/2YLEVtCgN5

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 18, 2017

UPDATE: The victim that died in this incident was a woman, according to Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City.

23 individuals were injured in today's Times Square incident, including 1 person who has passed away. The perpetrator is in custody.

— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 18, 2017

We feel deeply for those injured and particularly for the family of the young woman who was lost. Our prayers are with all of them.

— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 18, 2017

UPDATE: The NYPD is investigating the event as  “an isolated incident”.

One male in custody in the #TimesSquare vehicle collision.
It is believed to be an isolated incident, it remains under investigation.

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 18, 2017

UPDATE: A NYPD spokesperson said their investigation into the incident is “very preliminary”.

“We don’t have any details yet but on the information that we’ve got so far it looks more like an out of control vehicle at this time,” he told CBS.

UPDATE: New York City Fire Department confirms that 19 people were injured.

#FDNY confirms updated patient count at Times Square motor vehicle incident – 19 injuries, 1 fatality

— FDNY (@FDNY) May 18, 2017

UPDATE: The Adriver is a 26-year-old man from the Bronx with a history of DWI arrests and license suspensions, according to NBC New York.

UPDATE: FBI is working with the New York Police to investigate the Times Square incident, according to Reuters.

UPDATE:  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio reportedly arrived at the scene. according to BBC.

In Times Square getting briefed by the NYPD. pic.twitter.com/xUR4kAPBnZ

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 18, 2017

UPDATE: First photo to show the suspect as he is led away from the car by New York police.

Still shot of suspect arrested in Times Square incident. pic.twitter.com/0djMZZ0LdI

— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) May 18, 2017

UPDATE: The latest information from the Official New York City Fire Department confirms there is one fatality and 12 people were injured.

#FDNY confirms 1 fatality, 12 injuries in Times Square motor vehicle accident, 45 St/Broadway pic.twitter.com/M3aEHZw7Go

— FDNY (@FDNY) May 18, 2017

UPDATE: White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer tweeted that the president Donald Trump has been informed about the situation.

.@POTUS has been made aware of the situation in Times Square and will continue to receive updates

— Sean Spicer (@PressSec) May 18, 2017

UPDATE: A speeding car reportedly jumped a curb, and photos show the smoking vehicle on the sidewalk. This happened around lunch time, with tourists and employees filling the streets.

What's happening in Times Square?? This car was in the sidewalk and people are on the streets pic.twitter.com/PsepRtfrAr

— gb (@gb__) May 18, 2017

UPDATE: The Fire Department of New York reported 13 patients being on the scene.

13 total patients currently reported at scene of motor vehicle accident in Times Square pic.twitter.com/ySwtL6ZLoc

— FDNY (@FDNY) May 18, 2017

New York police is yet to issue a statement as to whether this was a car accident or a deliberate attack.

According to Reuters, at least 10 people were being treated for injuries at the scene.

The vehicle reportedly jumped the kerb at 7th Avenue and 45th St near the city’s popular tourist spot. The vehicle that struck the pedestrians was a red Honda.