Still Dying, Still Waiting: Streets Built for Cars, Not People

A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man in Ozone Park. The driver fled, then turned himself in. Police say the crash followed a heated confrontation. The victim died at Jamaica Hospital.

ABC7 reported on August 1, 2025, that a 23-year-old man died after being hit by a car at 101st Avenue and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. Police said the incident followed a domestic dispute. The driver, who was the woman's current boyfriend, told police the victim approached his car "while flashing what appeared to be a gun" and was struck as the driver tried to leave. The driver later went to the police. No charges had been filed as of publication, with the district attorney still reviewing the case. The crash highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used during conflicts.

• Man Killed By Car In Queens Dispute, ABC7, Published 2025-08-01

Water rose fast. Cars stranded. People climbed roofs to escape. Rescue teams pulled them out. Rain hammered Queens. The road drowned, then cleared. Danger came quick. Relief came late.

ABC7 reported on July 31, 2025, that flash flooding trapped drivers on the Clearview Expressway in Queens. Video showed people perched atop cars, waiting for rescue. A witness described, "10 feet deep, people sitting on top of cars, 6 or 7." Mayor Eric Adams declared a localized State of Emergency. The flooding left vehicles stranded and forced emergency response. The article highlights the risk of sudden, severe weather overwhelming city infrastructure, stranding vulnerable road users in harm’s way.

• Flash Flood Traps Cars On Expressway, ABC7, Published 2025-07-31

Candles flickered in Queens. Workers mourned the dead. Portraits lined the park. Grief and anger mixed. Demands for safety echoed. Fatigue and risk shadow every shift. The toll grows. The city listens.

amny reported on July 11, 2025, that rideshare and delivery workers gathered in Little Bay Park to honor colleagues killed on the job. The Justice for App Workers coalition demanded safety reforms, including panic buttons and limits on shift lengths. 'These deaths were not inevitable; they happened because billion-dollar companies chose profit over safety,' said Adaligisa Payero. Speakers highlighted long hours and fatigue as key dangers. The coalition called for tech companies and lawmakers to act, noting that app-based workers face higher injury and death rates than many traditional employees.

• Memorial Honors Fallen App-Based Workers, amny, Published 2025-07-11

A BMW flew over a Belt Parkway barrier at dawn. Metal twisted. Six hurt. Two critical. Flames rose. Police say speed may have played a role. The crash left wreckage and questions in its wake.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), a BMW traveling east on the Belt Parkway in Queens struck a concrete median, vaulted over it, and hit two oncoming vehicles. The article states, "Six people were injured—two critically—in a fiery crash." Police noted, "speed may have been an issue." The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The incident highlights the dangers of high speeds and highway design where barriers failed to contain a vehicle, putting multiple road users at risk.

• BMW Vaults Median, Six Injured In Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-07-05

SUV veered on Cross Island Parkway. Driver killed. Two occupants hurt. Police cite illness as cause. Metal twisted. Lives changed in seconds.

A Lexus SUV traveling south on Cross Island Parkway crashed. The driver, a 51-year-old man, was killed. Two other occupants suffered unspecified injuries. According to the police report, 'Illnes' was listed as the contributing factor. The right front bumper took the impact. No other vehicles or road users were involved. The report notes the driver wore a lap belt and harness. No mention of helmet or signals as factors. The crash left one dead and two injured, all inside the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824810 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

SUV struck a 65-year-old man outside the roadway. Driver distracted. Pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his leg and foot. Blood on the curb. System failed to protect the walker.

A Mercedes SUV hit a 65-year-old pedestrian near 214-26 41 Ave in Queens. The man was not in the roadway. He suffered crush injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was the main contributing factor. The SUV’s front end struck the pedestrian. No other errors were listed. The driver and another occupant were not seriously hurt. The crash exposes the danger when drivers lose focus, even for a moment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823538 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cyclist lay unconscious on 115th Avenue. The driver fled. Police searched the dark street for clues. The victim’s fate hung in the balance. Another night, another crash. The city’s danger pressed down, silent and heavy.

According to ABC7 (published June 15, 2025), a bicyclist was struck in a hit-and-run on 115th Avenue near 134th Street in South Ozone Park, Queens, just after 11:30 p.m. Friday. Police found the victim unconscious and in critical condition. The article states, 'They are now looking for evidence to help them track down the driver.' No details were given about the cyclist’s age or destination. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene highlights ongoing risks for vulnerable road users and underscores the persistent problem of hit-and-run crashes in New York City.

• Cyclist Left Critical After Queens Hit-And-Run, ABC7, Published 2025-06-15

A 74-year-old man crossing Northern Blvd died when an SUV hit him. The driver was unlicensed. The crash left the pedestrian dead at the scene.

A 74-year-old pedestrian was killed while crossing Northern Blvd at 217 St in Queens. According to the police report, a 2017 Chevrolet SUV traveling east struck the man at the intersection. The report states the driver was unlicensed. The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries to his entire body and was pronounced dead. No driver errors beyond the lack of a license were listed in the report. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4819696 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle struck a sedan’s rear on Whitestone Expressway. One man suffered crush injuries. Two sedans and a motorcycle tangled. The crash left a driver semiconscious. Police cited following too closely. Metal twisted. Lives changed in seconds.

A crash on Whitestone Expressway involved two sedans and a motorcycle. One male driver, age 39, was injured with crush injuries and found semiconscious. According to the police report, the collision was caused by 'Following Too Closely.' The motorcycle, traveling north and changing lanes, hit the right rear quarter panel of a northbound sedan. The impact damaged the right side doors of the sedan and the motorcycle’s front end. Two other occupants, a 42-year-old female driver and a 29-year-old male, were listed with unspecified injuries. No helmet or signal use was cited as a contributing factor. The report highlights driver error as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4819015 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.

According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.

• Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-21

A driver fell asleep on 25 Ave, striking two pedestrians. Both suffered serious injuries. Metal met flesh. Blood on asphalt. System failed the walking. Cars ruled the night.

Two pedestrians, a 24-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man, were struck and injured on 25 Ave at 124 St in Queens. According to the police report, the crash involved sedans and was caused by a driver who 'Fell Asleep.' The woman suffered fractures and dislocations to her entire body. The man sustained severe lacerations to his arm. Both were conscious after impact. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the sole contributing factor. No actions or errors are attributed to the pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812049 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.

ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.

• Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-02

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

A soul singer crossed Woodhaven at Myrtle. A Yamaha motorcycle struck her. She died at Jamaica Hospital. The rider kept going as the light changed. Police have not charged him. Dreams ended in the street. The city moves on.

NY Daily News reported on April 27, 2025, that Breanna Henderson, 23, was fatally struck by a Yamaha motorcycle while crossing Woodhaven Blvd. at Myrtle Ave. in Queens. The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. as the traffic light turned from yellow to red. The article notes, 'the motorcyclist hit her as the light turned from yellow to red.' Police have not charged the 34-year-old rider, and the investigation continues. Henderson was returning home from a performance. The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by pedestrians at major intersections and the risks posed by vehicles failing to yield during signal changes.

• Singer Killed Crossing Woodhaven Boulevard, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-27

A Brooklyn man lost control on Belt Parkway. His SUV struck a tree near JFK. Emergency crews arrived but could not save him. The road stayed quiet. Police kept watch. The investigation continues.

The Brooklyn Paper reported on April 23, 2025, that a 57-year-old Brooklyn man died after crashing his SUV on the Belt Parkway near JFK Airport. Police said the driver "failed to navigate the roadway and struck a tree." Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case, and no arrests have been made. The article highlights the crash location—westbound Belt Parkway, just west of 130th Street—and notes the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the dangers present on high-speed parkways and the unforgiving design of tree-lined medians.

• Driver Dies After Belt Parkway Crash, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-04-23

Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.

• Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-21

A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. It hit a man on a bike. He died there, on the street. Police are investigating. The crash happened in Middle Village, Queens. Metal met flesh. The city keeps moving.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The collision happened as the truck was 'turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street.' The victim, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating the incident. The article notes the truck's turning movement but does not detail further driver actions. This fatal crash highlights the risks at intersections where large vehicles and cyclists cross paths. No information was provided about charges or policy changes.

• FDNY Truck Strikes Cyclist In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-20

A firetruck struck a cyclist on Juniper Boulevard. The truck turned with lights and sirens. The cyclist was crushed under the rear wheels. Sheets covered the scene. Firefighters stood by, shaken. The victim died instantly. The investigation continues.

According to the New York Post (April 19, 2025), an FDNY Rescue Company 4 firetruck fatally struck a cyclist near Juniper Valley Park in Queens while responding to a call. The article states, "The truck was making a turn onto Juniper Boulevard...when the fatal accident occurred." Police reported the truck had lights and sirens activated. The cyclist ended up beneath the rear wheels and was pronounced dead at the scene. Photos showed emergency sheets covering the area. Witness Miguel Vega described firefighters as "shaken, like shocked." The incident highlights the dangers at intersections, especially when emergency vehicles turn. The crash is under investigation, with no details yet on policy or procedural changes.

• FDNY Firetruck Kills Cyclist Near Park, New York Post, Published 2025-04-19

A former firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. He struck Justin Diaz’s car at 83 mph. Diaz died a block from home. The driver was drunk, high, and unregistered. The court revoked his bail. Diaz’s family mourns.

ABC7 reported on April 17, 2025, that ex-FDNY firefighter Michael Peña faces manslaughter and DWI charges after a deadly crash in Queens. Prosecutors allege Peña was drunk, high, and speeding at 83 mph—three times the limit—when he ran a red light and T-boned 23-year-old Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance and body camera footage show Peña admitting to running the light. Five hours after the crash, tests confirmed intoxication by alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Peña’s record includes prior arrests and 25 school zone speeding tickets. He also drove an unregistered vehicle with an obstructed plate and tinted windshield. The victim, Diaz, was headed to work and had just graduated college. The case highlights repeated driver violations and systemic failures in enforcement.

• Ex-Firefighter Charged In Queens Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-17