Brooklyn, NY – Police have arrested and charged 49-year-old Vitali Khanapalov of Brooklyn in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in Bensonhurst yesterday.
The crash, which was caught on camera, resulted in the death of two people and several others injured.
Khanapalov has been charged with manslaughter, recklessly causing death, and aggravated unlicensed operator.
According to surveillance footage, a white Toyota Camry was traveling southbound on 18th Avenue when it collided with a Honda HRV at the intersection of 64th Street.
The impact caused the Camry to also hit a Chevrolet Equinox from behind, and a six-year-old female pedestrian was also struck.
Unfortunately, both the driver of the Honda and the pedestrian died as a result of their injuries.
Khanapalov and his two male passengers remained at the scene after the crash and were taken to the hospital in stable condition.
A 49-year-old woman who was a passenger in the Honda is in critical condition, while the driver of the Equinox is in stable condition.
The crash has devastated the local community, and witnesses describe it as “absolutely devastating.” Police have yet to release the identities of the two fatal victims, as they are still notifying their families.
