NYC taxi drives onto crowded sidewalk, killing 1

updated 5:45 p.m. ET Oct. 8, 2007

NEW YORK - An out-of-control taxicab ran onto a crowded sidewalk outside a midtown restaurant, killing a man and injuring two others.

The crash killed Paul Smith, 60, as he was leaving the restaurant Sunday evening, WABC-TV said on its Web site Monday. Smith, a helicopter pilot, was an employee of Newscopter Seven, a subcontractor for WABC-TV, the station said.

Smith’s wife, Donna, 55, suffered a broken leg, the station said. A 7-year-old boy, who was not identified, had a broken arm, police said. Both were hospitalized and were in stable condition, police said.

The Smiths had just finished a birthday dinner with friends and were standing outside saying goodbye when the cab jumped the curb, WABC-TV said.

The cab driver, who witnesses said was traveling fast, hit a sidewalk planter and then the Smiths and the boy. He was not charged; police say they believe it was an accident.

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