At a Glance
- 27-year-old car wash employee was critically injured when a co-worker hit him with a Toyota Sienna.
- The collision triggered a multi-vehicle crash involving a Prius and a Ford bus.
- Police are investigating; no arrests have been made.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights workplace safety risks at busy service stations.
The crash that left a Brooklyn car wash employee in critical condition unfolded on January 21, 2026 just before 11 a.m. in front of 296 4th Avenue. The employee, who was wiping down a freshly cleaned 2024 Toyota Sienna, was struck by the van as a 37-year-old co-worker pushed the accelerator. The sudden acceleration caused the Sienna to veer into the roadway, hit a 2014 Toyota Prius, and then collide with a 2019 Ford bus.
The Chain of Events
The sequence of movements that led to the wreck is still being pieced together by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). According to the department’s news release, the Sienna first struck a light pole before entering 4th Avenue. The vehicle then T-boned the Prius, which in turn struck the bus.
| Time | Action | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:58 a.m. | Sienna accelerated | Golden Touch Car Wash |
| 10:58 a.m. | Sienna hit 27-year-old employee | 296 4th Ave |
| 10:58 a.m. | Sienna veered into roadway | 296 4th Ave |
| 10:58 a.m. | Sienna struck Prius | 4th Ave |
| 10:58 a.m. | Prius hit bus | 4th Ave |
The co-worker who was driving the Sienna leapt from the vehicle, landing on the pavement with only minor injuries. Police confirmed that the 27-year-old employee sustained head trauma and was transported to Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition. The driver of the Sienna was taken to Cobble Hill NYU Hospital in stable condition. Neither the Prius driver, a 47-year-old woman, nor the 65-year-old bus operator were injured.
Witness Accounts
A nearby construction worker described the scene to the New York Daily News. He said the employee was “bending down to get the Armor All to do another car” when the Sienna struck him and dragged him to the pole. “He was out,” the worker said. “He had a big hole in his head. You could actually see his brain.” The same worker added that the co-worker who hit his colleague was visibly shaken after the crash. The victim’s father also works at the car wash.
Police Response and Investigation
The NYPD’s news release confirmed that the incident is under investigation and that no arrests have been made. The department is reviewing surveillance footage from the car wash and surrounding area. Golden Touch Car Wash has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Implications for Workplace Safety
This incident underscores the importance of strict safety protocols in environments where vehicles are moved in close proximity to employees. The fact that a co-worker was pushing the accelerator while a colleague was inside the vehicle raises questions about training and oversight at Golden Touch. The NYPD’s investigation will likely examine whether the company’s safety procedures were adequate.
Key Takeaways
- A 27-year-old car wash employee was critically injured when a co-worker accidentally hit him with a Toyota Sienna.
- The collision triggered a chain reaction that involved a Prius and a Ford bus.
- Police are investigating; no arrests have been made.
- The incident highlights potential gaps in workplace safety at busy service stations.
The outcome of the investigation will determine whether Golden Touch Car Wash faces any regulatory scrutiny or legal action. For now, the focus remains on the employee’s recovery and the broader question of how such accidents can be prevented in the future.
