Politics: Driver crashes car into pedestrians in New York City's Times Square

It's unclear whether the incident was an accident or a terror attack.

A driver crashed their car into pedestrians on the sidewalk in New York City's Times Square on Thursday.

The New York Police Department said that the car "lost control" and that the driver was in custody.

An investigation is underway, the NYPD said, though it is "believed to be an isolated incident."

The New York Fire Department confirmed that one person has died and 12 people are being treated for injuries at the scene.

It's unclear whether the incident was a terror attack, though initial speculation was that it was accidental. New York City Councilman Corey Johnson tweeted that he's hearing it was "unintentional." Terrorists have used vehicles to crash into crowds in England and France in the past year.

A witness told Business Insider that she heard the driver scream before the crash. The New York Times is reporting the driver appeared to be intoxicated.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is on the scene being briefed. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said President Donald Trump is aware of the incident, and "will continue to receive updates." NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio is en route to the scene.

It was 90 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday and Times Square was full of people. Seventh Avenue is closed in both directions from West 42 Street to West 57th Street, according to Notify NYC.

News of the incident quickly spread on social media:

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

It's unclear whether the incident was an accident or a terror attack. Read Full Story