There were several heroes in last Sunday’s motor vehicle crash on Bergenline Avenue that injured seven people, including the spouses and friends who are still tending to the victims.
Last Sunday at approximately 3 p.m., a North Bergen man allegedly drove his black Nissan Pathfinder SUV onto the sidewalk of the corner on Bergenline Avenue and 57th Street in West New York. The area was crowded with shoppers taking advantage of the sunny day and outdoor sidewalk sales.
Seven people were hurt, ranging in age from 13 to 65. Two of the most seriously injured were taken to Jersey City Medical Center. Officials said a 50-year old woman has been discharged after being admitted for two days, and a 44-year-old man was still in intensive care as of press time. That man was pinned under the front of the passenger’s side of the vehicle, but was aided by bystanders.
“Several pedestrians helped pull the man out from under,” said a witness.
Edilberto Viana of North Bergen has been identified by police as the man who allegedly drove the vehicle. According to witnesses and photos obtained by the Reporter, Viana, who was wearing a white shirt and straw hat, got out of the car to talk to stunned bystanders while others tended to victims and waited for police and ambulance to arrive.
“I see my wife; she can’t walk, she can’t eat since Sunday.” – Rouhy Hourizadeh
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‘Couldn’t you have thought better?’
Rouhy Hourizadeh, the owner of City Look Menswear, was a witness to Sunday’s tragedy. His wife Hevda, 50, was sitting outside the store, when she was struck by the vehicle. She was taken to Jersey City Medical Center and released after two days, but readmitted after she had trouble breathing during the night, according to Rouhy.
He said his wife sustained injuries all over her body including internal bleeding and severe bruising.
“She’s a family woman with four kids and three grandchildren,” said Rouhy.
His wife has worked with him at the menswear store for 15 years.
Rouhy said if he could speak to Viana, he would say to him, “Why did you have to [allegedly] drink and drive; couldn’t you have thought better?”
Rouhy’s last pleasant memory with his wife was of them eating lunch together shortly before the accident occurred.
“I see my wife; she can’t walk, she can’t eat since Sunday,” said Rouhy, then added, “She’s going to have all these cuts and bruises in her memory. She’s going to have to remember the trauma.”
Rouhy said he hopes Viana’s insurance would help cover the cost of bills sustained as a cause of the collision, but was surprised to hear Viana was allegedly driving without insurance.
No word was given on the identity of the 44-year-old male victim who was pinned under Viana’s vehicle, though some in the area have heard rumors that his leg had to be amputated.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com