NY Cabbie Sets Up Fund For Crash Victim

A New York taxi driver involved in a crash which left a British woman with part of her leg amputated has denied the accident was his fault.

Sian Green has been recovering from surgery at Bellevue Hospital after she was hit by a yellow cab at the start of a city break on Tuesday.

Mohammed Fasyal Himon blamed the crash on a cyclist, who he claimed pounded on his car and yelled at him.

Mr Himon said he was "very sorry" about the accident as he launched a charity fund for Ms Green with the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers

It has so far raised $3,000 (£1,900).

Mr Himon said: "I am praying for her and her family. But it is not my fault. It is just an accident.

"This is what cab drivers have to deal with every day. It could have happened to any of us."

New York police said the cyclist has not been charged.

Ms Green has been praised for her fighting spirit by surgeons, who had to amputate her left foot, while she has undergone treatment to wounds on her other leg as a result of the accident.

Dr Spiros Frangos, a senior trauma surgeon at the hospital, said: "Ms Green had her left leg amputated below the knee as a result of the accident.

"Given the condition of the lower leg, replantation was not an option.

"Her right leg sustained multiple deep lacerations which were also cleaned and repaired and will likely regain most functionality with time and physical therapy."

Ms Green's parents Jason and Sonia, who made a mercy dash to be at their daughter's bedside earlier this week, released a statement through the hospital praising the aid and care their daughter had received.

They said: "There are not enough words to express our gratitude to everyone who has helped our family during this difficult time."