Crash Count for District 21
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 6,248
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 3,504
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 685
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 31
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 22
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Oct 30, 2025
Carnage in CD 21
Detailed breakdowns aren’t yet available for this year slice; totals below reflect the selected window.
Killed 22
+7
Crush Injuries 7
Head 3
Lower leg/foot 3
Back 1
Whole body 1
Severe Bleeding 14
Head 11
+6
Face 2
Lower arm/hand 1
Severe Lacerations 6
Lower leg/foot 3
Head 2
Whole body 1
Concussion 18
Head 8
+3
Lower leg/foot 3
Back 1
Chest 1
Face 1
Lower arm/hand 1
Neck 1
Whole body 1
Whiplash 108
Neck 52
+47
Back 27
+22
Whole body 13
+8
Head 10
+5
Shoulder/upper arm 5
Abdomen/pelvis 2
Lower arm/hand 2
Lower leg/foot 2
Hip/upper leg 1
Contusion/Bruise 173
Lower leg/foot 57
+52
Lower arm/hand 28
+23
Head 26
+21
Back 14
+9
Hip/upper leg 14
+9
Shoulder/upper arm 13
+8
Whole body 11
+6
Face 9
+4
Neck 8
+3
Abdomen/pelvis 1
Chest 1
Abrasion 81
Lower leg/foot 26
+21
Head 15
+10
Lower arm/hand 15
+10
Shoulder/upper arm 7
+2
Whole body 6
+1
Face 5
Hip/upper leg 4
Back 3
Neck 2
Abdomen/pelvis 1
Pain/Nausea 40
Back 10
+5
Head 10
+5
Neck 7
+2
Hip/upper leg 6
+1
Lower leg/foot 4
Shoulder/upper arm 4
Chest 2
Abdomen/pelvis 1
Lower arm/hand 1
Whole body 1
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Oct 30, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in CD 21?

Preventable Speeding in CD 21 School Zones

(since 2022)

Caught Speeding Recently in CD 21

Vehicles – Caught Speeding in NYC (12 months)
  1. 2025 Black Ford Suburban (LVF9839) – 55 times • 4 in last 90d here
  2. 2025 Black Land Rover Suburban (LTW5645) – 51 times • 1 in last 90d here
  3. 2023 Gray BMW Coupe (JPR5734) – 40 times • 1 in last 90d here
  4. 2010 Gray Me/Be Suburban (LAV3029) – 19 times • 1 in last 90d here
  5. 2023 Gray Subaru Sedan (JKX8699) – 17 times • 3 in last 90d here
An open door on 108th Street

An open door on 108th Street

District 21: Jan 1, 2022 - Nov 1, 2025

Cristian Villafuerte Vasquez rode north on 108th Street near 38th Avenue in the evening. A BMW driver opened his door. Cristian went down and did not get up (NYC Open Data; NY Daily News; Streetsblog).

He was one of 22 people killed on these District 21 streets since 2022 (NYC Open Data). This year alone, 8 people have been killed here, compared to 1 in the same period last year (NYC Open Data).

The toll is local

Most of the dead here were walking: 11 pedestrians. People on bikes: 3. The rest were inside vehicles (NYC Open Data).

Two snapshots: An 8‑year‑old crossing with the signal at 100 Street and 31 Avenue in Mar 2024, killed by a turning pickup whose driver police recorded for failure to yield and inattention (NYC Open Data). A 77‑year‑old crossing with the signal at Roosevelt Avenue and 114 Street in Aug 2022, killed by a left‑turning SUV driver that police recorded for failure to yield and inattention (NYC Open Data).

Where it keeps happening

Some corridors don’t forgive. On the Grand Central Parkway, crashes here left 5 dead and 537 injured. On Roosevelt Avenue, 2 dead and 117 injured (NYC Open Data).

The hours tell on us. The 4 PM hour shows 4 deaths. 10 PM shows 3. Evening into night is when families wait for a call that should never come (NYC Open Data).

Police reports in this district list aggressive driving in crashes that killed 2 people, and disregarded traffic control in a crash that killed 1. These are choices made behind the wheel, recorded after the fact (NYC Open Data).

The door that opened, and what closed

City Council moved on one small fix this year: a law requiring taxis and for‑hire vehicles to post dooring warnings. Council Member Francisco P. Moya voted yes (Legistar: Int 0193‑2024). It became law in May.

At the same time, Moya sponsored a bill to require notice before DOT removes a lane or parking for a block or more. That bill sits in committee (Legistar: Int 0322‑2024). While we wait, the body count grows.

Fix the corners. Slow the turns.

This district’s deaths often involve turning drivers at crossings. The city can harden turns, add leading pedestrian intervals, and daylight corners on Roosevelt Avenue, 100 Street, and other repeat sites. Protected bike lanes on 108 Street would have given Cristian a buffer. None of this is theory. It is concrete and paint.

Stop the speed before it starts

Citywide actions would reach every block here. Lower the default speed limit. Require speed limiters for drivers who rack up violations. The policies exist, and the path is clear. We lay them out here.

One open door was enough. Close the gap between what we know and what we build. Then call it progress, not luck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What area does this cover?
New York City Council District 21, including East Elmhurst, North Corona, Corona, LaGuardia Airport, and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
How many people have been killed here since 2022?
According to NYC Open Data, 22 people have been killed on District 21 streets from 2022-01-01 through 2025-11-01.
When are the deadliest hours here?
Based on district-level crash records, deaths cluster late afternoon into night: the 4 PM hour shows 4 deaths and 10 PM shows 3.
How were these numbers calculated?
We used NYC Open Data’s Motor Vehicle Collisions datasets (Crashes h9gi-nx95, Persons f55k-p6yu, Vehicles bm4k-52h4), filtered to crashes within Council District 21 from 2022-01-01 to 2025-11-01. We counted deaths and injuries by person type, noted hourly patterns, and cited specific intersections from the same data. Data were accessed Oct 31–Nov 1, 2025. You can start from the Crashes dataset here.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Fix the Problem

Council Member Francisco P. Moya

District 21

Other Representatives

Assembly Member Sam Berger

District 27

Twitter: @SamBergerNY

State Senator Toby Stavisky

District 11

Other Geographies

District 21 Council District 21 sits in Queens, Precinct 115, AD 27, SD 11.

It contains East Elmhurst, North Corona, Corona, LaGuardia Airport, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens CB80, Queens CB81, Queens CB3, Queens CB4.

See also
Boroughs
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Council District 21

13
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash

Mar 13 - A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.


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.


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.'


26
BMW Runs Red, Fatal Head-On Crash on Northern Blvd

Feb 26 - A BMW driver ran the red on Northern Boulevard. Metal screamed as a Mercedes struck head-on. The 23-year-old behind the wheel died, unbelted. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent, marked by violence and disregard.

A violent collision unfolded at the corner of Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens. According to the police report, a BMW sedan 'ran the red,' disregarding traffic control. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The BMW was struck head-on by a Mercedes sedan traveling straight. The 23-year-old BMW driver, unbelted and alone, was killed behind the wheel. The impact was severe enough that a parked Toyota SUV was also damaged. The police narrative describes the aftermath: 'Metal screamed. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent.' The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver actions—specifically, running a red light and alcohol involvement.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795252 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03
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.


18
Tanker Turns, E-Bike Rider Crushed at Northern Blvd

Feb 18 - A tanker swung right on Northern Boulevard, striking a 31-year-old e-bike rider moving straight. The truck’s bumper crushed the man’s knee and foot. The tanker rolled on. The rider stayed down, battered and conscious, helmetless in the street.

At the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 108th Street in Queens, a collision unfolded between a tanker truck and an e-bike, according to the police report. The tanker was making a right turn while the e-bike rider, a 31-year-old man, continued straight. The police report states the truck’s right front bumper struck the e-bike, crushing the rider’s knee and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, highlighting a critical driver error. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s failure to yield. The tanker sustained no damage, while the e-bike was damaged at the center front end. The man remained conscious at the scene, suffering serious crush injuries. The report’s narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of those outside steel and glass.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03
14
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three

Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.

According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.


13
Int 1160-2025 Moya votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.


8
Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash

Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.

According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.


5
Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash

Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.


23
Int 1173-2025 Moya co-sponsors helmet mandate bill, which experts say reduces overall cycling safety.

Jan 23 - Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.


22
Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash

Jan 22 - A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.