Fiery Crash in Harlem Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Charged with DWAI

A car slammed into a tree in Harlem and burst into flames Saturday, leaving one woman dead and another charged with driving while intoxicated, New York City police said.

The driver, Shanelle Emanuel, 24, of Bayonne, New Jersey, apparently lost control of her car on Harlem River Drive before crashing into a tree, police said. The crash sparked a fire in the front of the vehicle.

In addition to DWI, she was charged with driving without a license, police said.

Kiara Jenkins, a 24-year-old passenger, was taken to Harlem Hospital Center where she was pronounced dead, police said. Another passenger was taken to the same hospital with minor injuries.

The crash occurred at about 6 a.m. near the Willis Avenue Bridge, police said.

It was unclear whether Emanuel had retained a lawyer who could comment on the charges.

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