2 cars plow into 17 people on N.Y. sidewalks

updated 12:51 p.m. ET June 21, 2008

NEW YORK - Two cars veered onto crowded sidewalks in two separate accidents Friday in Manhattan, striking 17 people and seriously injuring two of them.

A 60-year-old driver was pulling out of a parking spot in bustling Chinatown when he accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brakes, authorities said. His car mounted the curb and hit people sitting on a bench and walking on the sidewalk.

Two people hit in that accident are in serious but stable condition. Five others were treated for less serious injuries. The driver is not expected to face criminal charges.

Later in the day, an unlicensed driver hit 10 people in the Garment District. Six people were taken to hospitals in stable condition, and four others declined treatment.

The 23-year old driver was ticketed for not having a license, and the car's owner was cited for letting him drive.

More from msnbc.com When's Palin leaving? Take our weekly quiz Looking at China unrest from Mongolian perch Adventures in Cancerland: Lust for life Red Tape: Credit card firms' new squeeze Elkhart Blog: Making sure health care isn't casualty

MORE FROM LIFE

Life Section Front

Talks continue for Calif.’s $26 billion deficit Passengers flee 747 after smoke fills cabin Poor no longer California dreamin’? Attempt to beat train ends 5 lives Horse found with brand cut out of hide Pool club denies turning away minority kids Thousands swarm desecrated Illinois cemetery Cleaning woman may be in Pa. landfill Life Section Front   Add Life headlines to your news reader: