New York crash witnesses describe 'gruesome' scene

Authorities say there was no evidence the crash was terror-related.

"Based on the information we have at this moment, there is no indication that this was an act of terrorism," Mayor Bill de Blasio told a news conference at the scene.

"That being said, we are reinforcing key locations around the city with our anti-terror units of the NYPD so out of an abundance of caution, major sites in the city will get additional police coverage," he added.

26-year-old Richard Rojas stopped twice in the past for drunk driving, drove his Honda onto the sidewalk at 11:55 am (1555 GMT), smashing into pedestrians for three blocks at high speed, police said.

The vehicle collided with a metal pole and came to a stop at 45th Street and Broadway, police said. 

The vehicle flipped onto its side, smoke and flames spewing out of the hood as the injured littered the ground.

An 18-year-old woman was killed and 22 other victims were injured, including the woman's 13-year-old sister, officials said. Four were in critical condition.

Witnesses spoke of fear and panic as the car hurtled through the crowd at the start of the lunch hour as people enjoyed one of the first warm days of summer in an area typically packed with tourists and office workers.

Rojas was arrested and will be tested for drugs and alcohol, police said.