By Crash News Writer 
New York, NY (December 25, 2025) – A horrifying chain-reaction crash involving a runaway garbage truck turned deadly early Tuesday morning in East Harlem, claiming the life of a 75-year-old pedestrian and injuring three others.
According to the New York State Police, the incident unfolded around 6:30 a.m. on December 23 when a garbage truck operated by New Jersey-based Classic Recycling lost control along First Avenue near 101st Street. Surveillance footage showed the truck barreling into a parked Kia Forte, which was launched onto the sidewalk, striking and collapsing scaffolding outside NYCHA’s Metro North Plaza building.
Li Liang, 75, was beneath the scaffolding at the time and was killed in the collapse. Her husband and neighbors were devastated, with residents remembering Liang as a kind woman known for watering plants on the block each morning.
Three additional people—including another pedestrian, the 47-year-old truck driver, and a 50-year-old passenger—were hospitalized with minor injuries.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary public reports and may be updated as more information is confirmed.
- The victim, Li Liang, was identified by family and local officials. Further toxicology and inspection reports may be pending.
- The Department of Buildings is evaluating the structure for safety after the scaffolding collapse.
- No criminal charges have been filed as of this report, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Victims and their families may access accident resources in New York and our frequently asked questions in New York to understand what steps to take after a fatal crash.
This post is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Details may change as new facts emerge. For further information, please read our disclaimer.
If you lost a loved one in this incident, don’t wait—contact a compassionate New York personal injury lawyer today to pursue justice and explore your legal options.