2 women die after chain-reaction crash in the Bronx, officials say

Two pedestrians died after a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles in the Bronx on Friday, and several others were injured, police said.

The crash happened around 2:14 p.m. near Cruger and Allerton avenues, authorities said.

Police said a 57-year-old woman and a 39-year-old woman suffered critical injuries and later died at the hospital. Their identities have not been released.

An 84-year-old woman remained in critical condition as of late Friday night. All other injured victims were listed in stable condition, according to police. 

According to police, the incident began when an 81-year-old man driving a white Mercedes was unable to stop and rear-ended two vehicles, triggering a chain reaction that struck two additional cars.

The resulting collisions caused vehicles to hit three pedestrians who were in a crosswalk, police said.

One witness described the chaotic scene during the chain-reaction crash to CBS News New York's Rob Flaks.

"He hit people crossing the street, then another car hit people crossing the street too," the witness said.

The witness added that the force of one of the pedestrians being hit caused the windshield of a white car to shatter during the collision.

Another witness said he heard a loud crash before seeing the aftermath.

"He hit three people, one on the front side of the crosswalk and two on the second, and they all flew," the witness told Flaks.

The crash prompted a large emergency response and caused streets to be closed for some time.

Some of the drivers were treated for minor injuries. 

All the drivers remained at the scene, and no arrests have been made, according to police.