Actress and stuntwoman Carrie Bernans, known for her roles in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘The Color Purple,’ is in critical condition after a hit-and-run incident that occurred in Manhattan early morning on Monday, Jan 1, 2024.
The 29-year-old performer suffered severe injuries when a black Mercedes crashed into an outdoor dining area at the Chirp restaurant around 1:30 a.m.
Bernans’ representative confirmed to People that the actress, who recently became a mother, is in stable condition at the hospital. Fortunately, her child was not present during the harrowing incident, where she sustained multiple broken bones.
The hit-and-run unfolded during a police foot chase following reports of a physical assault involving the 44-year-old male driver of the Mercedes and a 34-year-old female passenger in the area of 33rd Street and 6th Avenue, according to the authorities.
Despite officers’ attempts to de-escalate the situation, the male driver failed to comply with orders, fleeing westbound on 33rd Street and making a right turn onto 7th Avenue against traffic.
The chaotic sequence continued as the Mercedes turned onto westbound West 34th Street, mounting the sidewalk and striking a food cart and multiple pedestrians.
The victims include two 39-year-old females, a 31-year-old female, and a 29-year-old female, in addition to Bernans.
Two officers were also injured during the incident. The driver further mounted the curb onto the sidewalk, striking two unoccupied parked vehicles and a 2022 Toyota Camry on the roadway.
After the collision, officers were able to apprehend the driver and place him in custody. The injured pedestrians were transported to NYC Health & Hospitals/Bellevue, along with the passenger, who is in stable condition.
The officers were sent to a local hospital and are reported to be in stable condition as well.
The driver is currently in Bellevue Hospital in critical condition, as reported by CBS News.
Carrie Bernans’ mother, Patricia Lee, took to Instagram to share graphic images of her daughter’s injuries. In one photo, Bernans’ face is visibly bruised and swollen with chipped and bloody teeth, while another shows her lying in a hospital bed with bruised hands.
Lee described the traumatic incident, explaining that Bernans was knocked unconscious and trapped under a stand. Despite suffering broken bones, fractures, and chipped teeth, Lee expressed gratitude that her daughter survived.
Bernans has undergone surgery, and her mother expressed hope for her recovery and a positive new chapter. Lee thanked first responders, strangers, family, and friends for their assistance during this challenging time.
An ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details surrounding the hit-and-run incident.
