What started as a minor traffic collision on W42nd Street Tuesday evening escalated into a full-blown Hazmat operation after first responders discovered a van loaded with dozens of propane cylinders and fuel cans.
Firefighters removing gas and fuel tanks on W42nd St on Tuesday evening. Photo: Carmen Daniel via TikTok
Shortly after 7pm, police and FDNY units were called to 476 W42nd Street between Dyer and 10th Avenue following a crash involving a Chevrolet Express van towing a food cart. The NYPD stated that the cart came loose while the van was traveling north on 10th Avenue, causing it to slam into a parked Kia Sorento occupied by a 48-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy. Both were transported to Mount Sinai West in stable condition.
What unfolded next stopped Hell’s Kitchen pedestrians in their tracks — and blew up on social media.
Video from the scene shows firefighters hauling 76 propane tanks and 15 five-gallon fuel containers from the back of the van, lining them up along the sidewalk as FDNY’s Hazmat unit worked to secure the load. A total of 75 gallons of gasoline and 10 gallons of diesel fuel were removed from the van.
The dramatic images sparked speculation online, with commenters expressing concern about a possible terror threat. However, officials and observers familiar with the incident suggested the van was more likely used to refuel food carts around the city — a common, if hazardous, practice.
FDNY confirmed that Hazmat crews were called in to safely remove the propane tanks from the van. The department did not report any leaks or explosions.
The driver, identified as Sayed Khaled Elsayed Abdelmohsen, 31, of 9th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, was arrested at the scene. Police charged him with reckless endangerment, violation of local law, and motor vehicle license violation (no license). According to the FDNY, Abdelmohsen also received multiple fire code violations. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is now handling the case and the investigation continues.
This story has been updated with the total number of propane tanks and fuel containers recovered by FDNY.