A 15-year-old girl was fatally struck by a sanitation truck while riding a Citi Bike in Manhattan’s East Village on Friday evening, police reported. The victim was identified as Daria Serkov. A 16-year-old companion who was riding with Serkov sustained injuries and remains hospitalized in stable condition.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. near the intersection of East 14th Street and First Avenue, where the sanitation truck was attempting a right turn. Emergency medical personnel transported both girls to Bellevue Hospital. Serkov was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene as bystanders urged the truck driver to stop, though the driver did not appear to hear the warnings. According to one witness, two individuals attempted to pull Serkov from beneath the vehicle before police intervened, cautioning that further movement might worsen her condition. The same witness reported seeing emergency responders administering CPR at the scene and described blood pooling near the truck.

Local business owner Bdin Puangsawasdi, whose restaurant is located nearby, said he rushed out after hearing a loud noise and saw the truck driver visibly distraught and crying. Authorities noted that the driver remained at the scene and that no charges had been filed as of Saturday.

Witnesses indicated that neither of the girls was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The sanitation truck involved was identified as a hydro excavation vehicle operated by Badger Daylighting, a New Jersey-based company. Both Badger Daylighting and Lyft, owner of the Citi Bike program, issued statements expressing condolences over the tragedy.

Friends and classmates of Serkov took to social media to mourn her passing. One friend described Serkov as “more than a best friend” and “family,” expressing deep grief and disbelief at the loss. Another friend expressed being “distraught” over having to share the news.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.