About these crash totals
Counts come from NYC police crash reports (NYC Open Data). We sum all crashes, injuries, and deaths for this area across the selected time window shown on the card. Injury severity follows the official definitions in the NYPD dataset.
- Crashes: number of police‑reported collisions (all road users).
- All injuries: total injured people in those crashes.
- Moderate / Serious: subcategories reported by officers (e.g., broken bones vs. life‑threatening trauma).
- Deaths: people who died due to a crash.
Notes: Police reports can be corrected after initial publication. Minor incidents without a police report are not included.
Close▸ Killed 28
▸ Crush Injuries 21
▸ Amputation 2
▸ Severe Bleeding 16
▸ Severe Lacerations 10
▸ Concussion 47
▸ Whiplash 269
▸ Contusion/Bruise 296
▸ Abrasion 187
▸ Pain/Nausea 78
About this chart
We group pedestrian injuries and deaths by the vehicle type that struck them (as recorded in police reports). Use the dropdown to view totals, serious injuries, or deaths.
- Trucks/Buses, SUVs/Cars, Mopeds, and Bikes reflect the reporting categories in the crash dataset.
- Counts include people on foot only; crashes with no injured pedestrians are not shown here.
Notes: Police classification can change during investigations. Small categories may have year-to-year variance.
CloseAbout these numbers
These totals count vehicles with at least the shown number of camera‑issued speeding violations (school‑zone speed cameras) in any rolling 12‑month window in this district. Totals are summed from 2022 to the present for this geography.
- ≥ 6 (6+): advocates’ standard for repeat speeding offenders who should face escalating consequences.
- ≥ 16 (16+): threshold in the current edited bill awaiting State Senate action.
Caught Speeding Recently in CB 412
- 2024 Gray Honda Suburban (LPH4200) – 150 times • 2 in last 90d here
- 2024 Gray Toyota Sedan (LHW6019) – 141 times • 1 in last 90d here
- 2024 Black Toyota Sedan (LHW6494) – 130 times • 2 in last 90d here
- 2024 White Lexus Suburban (LHT8624) – 100 times • 2 in last 90d here
- 2023 Gray Toyota Suburban (LCT3025) – 84 times • 1 in last 90d here
About this list
This ranks vehicles by the number of NYC school‑zone speed‑camera violations they received in the last 12 months anywhere in the city. The smaller note shows how many times the same plate was caught in this area in the last 90 days.
Camera violations are issued by NYC DOT’s program. Counts reflect issued tickets and may omit dismissed or pending cases. Plate text is shown verbatim as recorded.
Close
Queens CB12: Crosswalk hits, night deaths, and a stalled fix
Queens CB12: Jan 1, 2022 - Nov 5, 2025
Aug 6, 2024 at Bedell Street and Baisley Boulevard, the driver of a bus turned left and killed a woman who was crossing with the signal while the driver failed to yield, police recorded (NYC Open Data, CrashID 4746187).
They were one of 28 people killed and 7,226 injured on the streets of Queens Community Board 12 since 2022 (NYC Open Data).
Corners that don’t forgive
- Belt Parkway slices through the district. It leads the toll with 5 deaths and 216 injuries (NYC Open Data).
- Hillside Avenue logs 85 injuries; Francis Lewis Boulevard shows a death and 30 injuries. Merrick Boulevard has 212 injuries (NYC Open Data).
Police reports list what keeps happening: drivers disregard signals, fail to yield, or look away. In this district, those records include at least 2 deaths tied to disregarding traffic control, 1 to failure to yield, and 1 to distraction, with dozens more injured under each cause (NYC Open Data).
Nights and rush hours hurt
The bodies stack at the edges of the day. Four people died around 3 AM, and four more around 5 AM. Evenings also spike — 6 to 9 PM shows multiple deaths and hundreds of injuries (NYC Open Data).
People walking bear the brunt. Drivers of SUVs and cars account for most pedestrian harm recorded here — SUVs in 379 pedestrian injury cases with 7 deaths, sedans in 562 with 2 deaths (NYC Open Data).
The tools and the stall
City Hall says safety comes first. “The safety of pedestrians and all street users remains a top priority for Speaker Adams and the council,” her office said when asked about the daylighting bill to clear sightlines at corners (AMNY). The same bill has majority support, but the Speaker has not brought it to a vote (Streetsblog).
In this district, Council Member Nantasha M. Williams is pushing a crackdown on unlicensed commuter vans (Int 1347‑2025) that orders maximum penalties. Analysts warn it leans on policing, not design or operations fixes that reduce crashes (NYC Council Legistar). Corners like Hillside and Francis Lewis need sightlines, hardened turns, and slower lefts. The bill doesn’t deliver those.
Albany has moved on one proven lever: 24/7 school‑zone speed cameras were renewed through 2030, with local legislators on board — votes recorded for State Senator Leroy Comrie, State Senator James Sanders Jr., Assembly Member Vivian Cook, and Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman (Open States). Another lever sits on the table: the Stop Super Speeders Act (S4045). Senator Comrie co‑sponsored it and voted yes in committee (Open States). It would force the worst repeat speeders to use speed limiters.
What would help here
- Daylight the corners on Hillside Avenue, Francis Lewis Boulevard, Merrick Boulevard — clear the parking at crosswalks and add hard barriers at priority intersections (Streetsblog).
- Protect left turns where the bodies fall: use hardened turn treatments and leading pedestrian intervals at Bedell/Baisley and other repeat‑hit spots documented in district data (NYC Open Data).
- Back the speed‑limiter bill in Albany and push City Hall to lower speeds on local streets, as advocates lay out on our Take Action page.
The woman on Baisley had the signal. The bus turned anyway. Fix the corners. Slow the cars. Act now: Take Action.
Frequently Asked Questions
▸ What is CrashCount?
▸ How many people have been hurt or killed on CB12 streets since 2022?
▸ Where are the worst spots?
▸ What patterns stand out in timing or cause?
▸ How were these numbers calculated?
Citations
▸ Citations
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – Crashes - Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746187 - Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-05
- File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-11
- S 8344 – School speed zones renewal, Open States, Published 2025-06-12
- File Int 1347-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14
- Universal Daylighting Has Majority Support on the City Council — Will Speaker Adams Give It a Vote?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-09
- NYC to lose 300,000 parking spots in City Council bid to boost street safety, AMNY, Published 2025-08-03
Other Representatives
Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman
District 29
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams
District 27
State Senator Leroy Comrie
District 14
▸ Other Geographies
Queens CB12 Queens Community Board 12 sits in Queens, District 27, AD 29, SD 14.
It contains Jamaica, South Jamaica, Baisley Park, Springfield Gardens (North)-Rochdale Village, St. Albans, Hollis.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Queens Community Board 12
11
SUV Driver Collides With Parked SUV in Queens▸Mar 11 - A 60-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck a parked SUV on 104 Avenue in Queens. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. Illness contributed to the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 on 104 Avenue in Queens. A 60-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling westbound, collided with a parked 2019 Alfa SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a medical condition impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. The driver was licensed in New York. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden driver incapacitation on city streets.
10
E-Scooter Hits Pedestrian on Linden Boulevard▸Mar 10 - E-scooter slammed into a 56-year-old woman on Linden Boulevard. She took abrasions to the face. Driver’s improper lane use fueled the crash. Queens street, hard impact, no helmet noted.
According to the police report, an e-scooter traveling west on Linden Boulevard struck a 56-year-old female pedestrian. The impact hit the pedestrian’s face. She was conscious but injured. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a driver error. It also notes pedestrian confusion, but this does not shift fault from the driver. The scooter had two occupants and showed no damage. No helmet or safety equipment is mentioned. This crash underscores the risk when e-scooter drivers fail to use lanes properly in Queens.
8
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 8 - A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
8
Pedestrian Injured on Queens Roadway▸Mar 8 - A 35-year-old man suffered bruises and an arm injury after being struck while walking outside an intersection on Quencer Road in Queens. The pedestrian was conscious and injured, with no driver errors or contributing factors reported in the police data.
According to the police report, a 35-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Quencer Road in Queens at 12:09 PM. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, described as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He remained conscious after the collision. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified with no details on type, driver, or pre-crash actions. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The data focuses on the pedestrian’s injuries and location but does not identify any driver fault or systemic cause in this incident.
7
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸Mar 7 - A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
7
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸Mar 7 - A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
6
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸Mar 6 - A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
6
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 6 - A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
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Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 11 - A 60-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck a parked SUV on 104 Avenue in Queens. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. Illness contributed to the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 on 104 Avenue in Queens. A 60-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling westbound, collided with a parked 2019 Alfa SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a medical condition impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. The driver was licensed in New York. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden driver incapacitation on city streets.
10
E-Scooter Hits Pedestrian on Linden Boulevard▸Mar 10 - E-scooter slammed into a 56-year-old woman on Linden Boulevard. She took abrasions to the face. Driver’s improper lane use fueled the crash. Queens street, hard impact, no helmet noted.
According to the police report, an e-scooter traveling west on Linden Boulevard struck a 56-year-old female pedestrian. The impact hit the pedestrian’s face. She was conscious but injured. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a driver error. It also notes pedestrian confusion, but this does not shift fault from the driver. The scooter had two occupants and showed no damage. No helmet or safety equipment is mentioned. This crash underscores the risk when e-scooter drivers fail to use lanes properly in Queens.
8
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 8 - A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
8
Pedestrian Injured on Queens Roadway▸Mar 8 - A 35-year-old man suffered bruises and an arm injury after being struck while walking outside an intersection on Quencer Road in Queens. The pedestrian was conscious and injured, with no driver errors or contributing factors reported in the police data.
According to the police report, a 35-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Quencer Road in Queens at 12:09 PM. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, described as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He remained conscious after the collision. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified with no details on type, driver, or pre-crash actions. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The data focuses on the pedestrian’s injuries and location but does not identify any driver fault or systemic cause in this incident.
7
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸Mar 7 - A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
7
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸Mar 7 - A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
6
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸Mar 6 - A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
6
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 6 - A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 10 - E-scooter slammed into a 56-year-old woman on Linden Boulevard. She took abrasions to the face. Driver’s improper lane use fueled the crash. Queens street, hard impact, no helmet noted.
According to the police report, an e-scooter traveling west on Linden Boulevard struck a 56-year-old female pedestrian. The impact hit the pedestrian’s face. She was conscious but injured. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a driver error. It also notes pedestrian confusion, but this does not shift fault from the driver. The scooter had two occupants and showed no damage. No helmet or safety equipment is mentioned. This crash underscores the risk when e-scooter drivers fail to use lanes properly in Queens.
8
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 8 - A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
8
Pedestrian Injured on Queens Roadway▸Mar 8 - A 35-year-old man suffered bruises and an arm injury after being struck while walking outside an intersection on Quencer Road in Queens. The pedestrian was conscious and injured, with no driver errors or contributing factors reported in the police data.
According to the police report, a 35-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Quencer Road in Queens at 12:09 PM. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, described as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He remained conscious after the collision. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified with no details on type, driver, or pre-crash actions. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The data focuses on the pedestrian’s injuries and location but does not identify any driver fault or systemic cause in this incident.
7
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸Mar 7 - A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
7
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸Mar 7 - A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
6
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸Mar 6 - A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
6
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 6 - A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 8 - A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
8
Pedestrian Injured on Queens Roadway▸Mar 8 - A 35-year-old man suffered bruises and an arm injury after being struck while walking outside an intersection on Quencer Road in Queens. The pedestrian was conscious and injured, with no driver errors or contributing factors reported in the police data.
According to the police report, a 35-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Quencer Road in Queens at 12:09 PM. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, described as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He remained conscious after the collision. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified with no details on type, driver, or pre-crash actions. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The data focuses on the pedestrian’s injuries and location but does not identify any driver fault or systemic cause in this incident.
7
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸Mar 7 - A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
7
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸Mar 7 - A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
6
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸Mar 6 - A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
6
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 6 - A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 8 - A 35-year-old man suffered bruises and an arm injury after being struck while walking outside an intersection on Quencer Road in Queens. The pedestrian was conscious and injured, with no driver errors or contributing factors reported in the police data.
According to the police report, a 35-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Quencer Road in Queens at 12:09 PM. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, described as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He remained conscious after the collision. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified with no details on type, driver, or pre-crash actions. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The data focuses on the pedestrian’s injuries and location but does not identify any driver fault or systemic cause in this incident.
7
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸Mar 7 - A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
7
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸Mar 7 - A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
6
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸Mar 6 - A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
6
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 6 - A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 7 - A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
7
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸Mar 7 - A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
6
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸Mar 6 - A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
6
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 6 - A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
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Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
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Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
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Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
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FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 7 - A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
6
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸Mar 6 - A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
6
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 6 - A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 6 - A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
6
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Mar 6 - A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 6 - A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
4
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.
According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.
- Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04
2
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 2 - A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
2
Queens SUV Crash Leaves Five Injured▸Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.
According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.
2
Sedan Ignores Signal, Slams Moped Head-On▸Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 2 - At 113th Avenue and 204th Street, a sedan plowed into a moped head-on. The rider, helmeted and conscious, was hurled and bled from wounds across his body. Police cite traffic control disregard. Steel met flesh. System failed.
According to the police report, a sedan struck a moped head-on at the corner of 113th Avenue and 204th Street in Queens at 1:10 p.m. The moped rider, a 49-year-old man, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report states the rider was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating that a driver ignored a traffic signal or sign. The sedan's impact was centered on the moped's front end. The report makes no mention of any error or infraction by the moped rider. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls.
1
Left-Turning BMW Collides with Westbound Carry-All▸Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.
28
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Feb 28 - A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
28
Two Sedans Collide in Queens, Three Injured▸Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Feb 28 - In Queens, two sedans collided head-on near Bedell Street. Three occupants suffered injuries, including knee and leg wounds. Police cite driver inexperience, inattention, and improper lane usage as causes. All occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:37 AM near 134-67 Bedell Street in Queens. Two sedans traveling east and west collided, both vehicles sustaining center front end damage. The drivers, a 47-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, along with a 34-year-old female passenger, were all injured. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inexperience,' 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. None of the occupants were ejected, and all were restrained with lap belts. The injured suffered bodily harm ranging from unknown injuries to knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and systemic risks.
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Feb 28 - A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.
ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.
- Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28
27
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens▸Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.
NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'
- Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-27
26
Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Feb 26 - A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
26
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
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FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
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FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Feb 26 - A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
26
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver▸Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
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FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
Feb 26 - A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.
According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.
- FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26