Times Square car crash: NYPD says crash 'not terrorist related'

The NYPD says that a car that plowed through a crowd in Times Square was not connected to terrorism (AFP/Getty Images)

The New York City Police Department says that a car that plowed through a crowd in Times Square, injuring 19 people and killing one, was not terrorist related.

The car, a red Honda, struck pedestrians at about 43rd Street and 7th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and came to a stop after crashing into barricades near 45th Street and Broadway. Reporters at the scene said police had indicated that the driver of the vehicle had “lost control” in Times Square before hitting people.

The NYPD says that the driver of the vehicle was in custody and was being tested for alcohol. He was a 26-year-old from the Bronx with a history of arrests for driving under the influence, according to CBS News.

The crash occurred on a warm and sunny afternoon in New York that brought sizeable crowds out around the city to enjoy the weather.

State and local officials were expected to visit the site of the crash.

Times Square has a heavy police force at all times of the day and much of the sidewalks have metal bollards installed near the street to stop cars from veering into pedestrian walking areas and other public zones.