A devastating accident in the Bronx has left a sanitation worker fighting for his life after an SUV struck him, pinning him against his garbage truck. The incident, captured in a graphic video, highlights the dangers faced by city workers on the job.
Ahmad Ladson, 32, was working on Colgate Avenue near Watson Avenue in Soundview around 8 a.m. Monday when the crash occurred. Ladson, positioned at the rear of his garbage truck, was struck by a Toyota Highlander driven by a 40-year-old woman. The vehicle, skidding on the rain-slicked road, slammed into Ladson, pinning him against the truck before he collapsed to the ground in visible agony.
“I heard a loud bang and then screaming,” recounted a local resident who witnessed the scene. “It was heartbreaking to see him lying there, unable to move.”
In the unsettling video, Ladson can be heard wailing in pain as he lies on the wet pavement. The SUV driver immediately exited her vehicle to assist, appearing visibly distraught. A second sanitation worker rushed to aid Ladson, while bystanders on the opposite side of the street walked past without intervening.
Emergency responders quickly arrived, transporting Ladson to Jacobi Medical Center. He suffered compound fractures to both legs and remains in critical condition, according to hospital officials.
The SUV driver, who was not named, stayed at the scene and was later treated at Jacobi Medical Center for a panic attack. “She was shaking and crying,” said a police source. “It was clear she was deeply affected by what happened.”
As of Tuesday, no charges had been filed, and the NYPD confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
Ladson, a husband and father of three, has been with the Department of Sanitation for just over two years. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his medical expenses and long-term recovery. The fundraiser describes him as a dedicated worker and loving family man who is now facing an uncertain future.
“Ahmad is the kind of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back,” said a family friend. “He’s always been there for his family and friends, and now he needs us to be there for him.”
The Department of Sanitation released a statement emphasizing the dangers faced by its workers. “Sanitation workers have one of the toughest jobs in the city, and this horrifying incident underscores the risks they encounter daily,” the statement read. “We stand with Sanitation Worker Ladson’s family during this incredibly difficult time and are grateful to the medical team at Jacobi Hospital for their care.”
This incident has reignited discussions about worker safety in New York City. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sanitation work remains one of the most hazardous occupations in the country. Advocates are calling for increased measures to protect workers, including better visibility on trucks and stricter enforcement of traffic laws around active work zones.
“Drivers need to slow down and be more aware,” said a spokesperson for the Sanitation Workers’ Union. “Our members put their lives on the line to keep this city clean.”
As Ladson’s recovery hangs in the balance, his family and colleagues are urging the public to support their campaign and to drive responsibly around city workers. For now, the city waits anxiously for updates on his condition and for justice to take its course.
Discover more from Next Gen News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.