Staten Island’s 50th District: A slow tally of the dead

Aug 25 - A 21-year-old motorcyclist crashed on the Verrazzano Bridge. He was ejected and died. Speed ruled the night. Metal, wind, and failure to slow. The bridge took the hit. No other victims listed.

A 21-year-old man riding a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle east on the Verrazzano Bridge crashed and was ejected. He died of his injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Unsafe Speed.” The data lists driver errors as Unsafe Speed for the operator. No pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers were reported injured. Records show the motorcycle sustained right-front damage while going straight. The report notes the rider wore a helmet, but this detail follows the identified driver error. The location falls under NYPD Precinct 120 in Staten Island, on the bridge span, with no other vehicles named in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4837825 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Aug 5 - Poor DOT signs on Hylan Boulevard sow chaos. Drivers turn from the wrong lane. Collisions mount. Bus lane rules shift by the hour. The street stays dangerous for those on foot and bike.

According to amny (2025-08-05), collisions on Hylan Boulevard have risen due to unclear DOT signage about bus lane hours. Borough President Vito Fossella noted, “That’s one accident every four days where somebody perhaps unwittingly thinks they must turn from the middle lane.” The article reports 32 crashes in 2025 tied to drivers making right turns from the middle lane instead of the curb-side bus lane. Some signs list hours, others only say 'Bus Corridor Photo,' confusing drivers. The lack of clear, consistent information leaves intersections hazardous, especially for vulnerable road users. The report highlights a pressing need for better signage and clearer policy.

• Confusing Bus Lane Signs Spur Crashes, amny, Published 2025-08-05

Aug 4 - A hotel awning crashed down at Clark Street station. Years of leaks, rot, and stench warned locals. No one fixed it. The city let danger fester. Pedestrians faced the risk. No injuries, but trust is broken.

"Our NYC Buildings engineers are now on site conducting additional inspections of the collapsed awning, and a second similar awning at the building on Clark Street, which is showing similar signs of poor maintenance." -- James S. Oddo

On August 4, 2025, a hotel awning collapsed outside the Clark Street subway station in Brooklyn Heights. The incident, reported by Barbara Russo-Lennon and Lloyd Mitchell, followed 'years of visible disrepair, foul smells and water leaks.' Council Member Lincoln Restler confirmed no timeline for reopening. The Department of Buildings cited the owners for 'Failure to maintain' and ordered demolition. DOB Commissioner James Oddo said engineers are inspecting a second awning showing 'poor maintenance.' The collapse put pedestrians in harm's way. As safety analysts note, such failures in busy areas raise the risk of injury or death for vulnerable road users and discourage walking, undermining city safety goals.

• ‘Not surprised’: Locals say neglect to blame in Clark Street station awning collapse, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-04

Jul 4 - A young driver crashed a sedan at high speed on Victory Boulevard. He suffered severe bleeding and leg injuries. Police cite unsafe speed and inexperience. The road turned violent in an instant.

A 19-year-old male driver crashed a sedan on Victory Boulevard near SR 440 in Staten Island. He suffered severe bleeding and injuries to his lower leg and foot. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience.' The vehicle's right front bumper took the impact. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The driver held only a permit. Another occupant was listed but had unspecified injuries. The report highlights unsafe speed and inexperience as the main factors behind the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825502 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Jun 30 - 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

Jun 29 - SUV struck a standing scooter on College Ave. Teen driver ejected, unconscious, bleeding from head. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield. Streets remain dangerous for the young.

A 16-year-old male driving a standing scooter was struck by a 2007 Hyundai SUV on College Ave, Staten Island. The teen was ejected, left unconscious, and suffered severe head bleeding. According to the police report, the SUV driver was inattentive and failed to yield the right-of-way. Both driver errors are listed as contributing factors. The teen had no safety equipment. The SUV driver, a 79-year-old woman, was not injured. The crash highlights the risks faced by young road users when drivers fail to pay attention and yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825475 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

May 12 - A driver sped from police, crashed into a cruiser, fired shots. Shattered glass cut three officers. Two guns found in the car. The SUV had a long record of violations. Streets turned to chaos in Port Richmond.

According to the NY Daily News (published May 12, 2025), a 31-year-old man in a 2009 Nissan Murano refused to stop for police on Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island. The article reports, "The suspect sped off but struck a police cruiser nearby and then fired multiple times at the vehicle." Three officers suffered minor injuries from shattered glass. Police found two guns in the car. The SUV had 27 recorded infractions, including five for speeding, though it is unclear who was driving at the time of those violations. The incident highlights ongoing risks from drivers with repeated violations and raises questions about enforcement and vehicle oversight.

• Driver Flees Stop, Crashes, Fires Gun, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-12

May 1 - 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

Apr 13 - Two sedans struck a man crossing Hylan Blvd. His body broke under their front ends. He lay unconscious, crushed. Drivers walked away. He did not.

A 35-year-old man was struck by two sedans while crossing Hylan Blvd near Dawson Place, Staten Island. According to the police report, 'Two sedans struck a man crossing against the light. His body broke beneath the front ends. He lay unconscious, crushed from head to foot. Drivers wore belts. They walked away. He did not.' The pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his entire body and was left unconscious. Both vehicles hit him with their center front ends. No driver errors were specified in the report. The data lists the pedestrian as crossing against the signal, but no contributing factors were assigned to the drivers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 10 - A box truck reversed into Leony Salcedo-Chevalier by the loading dock. He died at the hospital. The driver stayed. No charges filed. The crash left a family without a father. Police are investigating. The warehouse kept running.

NY Daily News reported on April 10, 2025, that Leony Salcedo-Chevalier, 34, was struck and killed by a reversing box truck at the JFK8-Amazon Fulfillment Center in Staten Island. The incident happened late Wednesday night as Salcedo-Chevalier stood by the loading dock. Both he and the driver worked for a freight contractor, not Amazon. The driver, 40, remained at the scene. No criminal charges were filed at the time of reporting. An Amazon spokesperson called it a 'horrible tragedy' and said the company was cooperating with police. The article quotes a coworker: 'He was 34 years old. He had two daughters. He was killed on the job.' The crash highlights the dangers faced by workers in busy warehouse loading zones, where large vehicles maneuver in tight spaces.

• Worker Killed By Reversing Truck At Warehouse, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 9 - A box truck backed up on Gulf Avenue. The driver reversed in darkness. A thirty-four-year-old man was crushed and killed. The street fell silent. No damage marked the truck.

A box truck reversed on Gulf Avenue near 546. According to the police report, the driver backed up in the dark and struck a thirty-four-year-old man in the roadway. The pedestrian was crushed and killed. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The truck showed no damage. No driver errors were specified in the data. The street was quiet after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804882 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Apr 9 - Honda SUV moves east. Driver’s view blocked. Old man crosses with signal. Metal hits flesh. Blood on the head. Woman and child inside, both hurt, both conscious.

A Honda SUV struck a 76-year-old man crossing Steuben Street with the signal. According to the police report, the driver’s view was obstructed. The pedestrian suffered severe head lacerations. The driver, a 34-year-old woman, and a 10-year-old boy in the rear seat were also injured. Police list 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The crash left three people hurt, one seriously. No blame is placed on those struck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804886 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Mar 15 - Police sped to a gun call. A U-turn blocked their path. The cruiser swerved, jumped the curb, and hit a shuttered shop. Metal buckled. Officers hurt. In Manhattan, a Charger spun wild, pinning a cop. Steel and flesh met hard. Sirens followed.

The NY Daily News (March 15, 2025) reports two Staten Island police officers crashed their cruiser into a closed restaurant while responding to an emergency. The officers 'lost control of their marked cruiser and slammed into the front of a Mexican restaurant' after swerving to avoid a car making a U-turn. Both officers sustained minor injuries. Hours earlier in Manhattan, a Dodge Charger 'spinning out of control' struck a police officer, pinning him against his patrol vehicle. Witness Abi Aguirre described, 'He crashed into a sanitation car... then he's doing circles and then he crashed out with a police car.' Both the officer and the driver were hospitalized. The incidents highlight risks from high-speed responses and erratic driving, raising questions about street design and emergency protocols.

• Police Cruiser Slams Into Staten Island Store, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-15

Mar 9 - A wooden board flew off a truck on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. It smashed through a car’s windshield. Glass rained down on the family inside. The driver, shaken but steady, steered blind and pulled over. No one reported injuries. Danger passed, barely.

The New York Post (March 9, 2025) reports a near-disaster on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. High winds sent a wooden board flying from a pickup truck into David Deng’s windshield. Dashcam footage shows the board shattering glass across Deng and his family. Deng told the outlet, "I was in complete shock," and described glass covering their clothes and seats. The truck driver had stopped earlier, apparently trying to secure the load. The incident highlights the risk of unsecured cargo on city bridges. No police report was filed at the time. The event underscores the persistent threat loose debris poses to all road users.

• Loose Board Smashes Car Windshield On Bridge, New York Post, Published 2025-03-09

Mar 8 - A Jeep turned left on Victory Blvd as a moped passed west. Metal screamed. A 12-year-old boy clung outside, helmetless. He struck pavement hard, his leg split open. He lay semiconscious beside the crushed moped.

According to the police report, a Jeep SUV was making a left turn near 2084 Victory Blvd while a moped traveled west, attempting to pass. The crash's contributing factor is listed as 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' The report states: 'A Jeep turned left. A moped passed west. Metal screamed.' A 12-year-old boy, riding outside the moped without a helmet, was thrown to the pavement, suffering a severe leg laceration and lying semiconscious at the scene. The moped was described as 'crushed.' The report highlights driver errors—improper lane usage during passing and the Jeep's left turn—as the cause. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision's violence and injuries underscore the dangers posed by driver mistakes and systemic traffic risks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797622 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Mar 7 - A Ford SUV hit an 80-year-old man head-on near Benton Avenue. His head struck the pavement. Blood pooled beneath him. He died under a gray Staten Island sky. The street bore silent witness to another life ended by steel.

An 80-year-old pedestrian was killed when a northbound Ford SUV struck him head-on on Hylan Boulevard near Benton Avenue, according to the police report. The report states the man 'stepped into the street against the light.' The vehicle, a 2008 Ford SUV, was traveling straight ahead when the impact occurred, with the point of contact at the center front end. The police report describes the aftermath: 'His head hit hard. Blood pooled on the pavement. He died under a gray Staten Island sky.' The contributing factors listed in the police data are 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as Failure to Yield or Distraction are cited in the report. The narrative centers the violence of the impact and the fatal consequences for the pedestrian. No mention is made of helmet use or other pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797079 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Feb 14 - Steel tore on Victory Boulevard as a bus and a box truck slammed head-on. Four people, ages 23 to 66, were pulled from the wreckage, conscious but broken. Blood pooled, bones snapped, the street marked by violence and impact.

A violent head-on collision between a bus and a box truck on Victory Blvd near Canterbury Ave left four people injured, according to the police report. The crash occurred as both vehicles were 'going straight ahead' when they struck each other, their left front bumpers colliding. The police report lists 'Illnes' as a contributing factor. Four occupants—two drivers and two passengers, ages 23, 36, 52, and 66—suffered crush injuries to their legs and backs. All were conscious but badly hurt when pulled from the wreckage. The report details the scene: 'Steel screamed. Four people inside were crushed.' The data does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The police report does not specify further details about the nature of the illness or any other driver actions. The focus remains on the catastrophic impact and the systemic dangers of large vehicles colliding head-on.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792500 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

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.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Jan 17 - A 2010 Honda crashed into a parked Jeep on the Belt Parkway ramp. The driver, 23, died alone. His head struck hard, airbags burst, seatbelt held. The ramp was empty, the night silent. No one else was hurt.

A fatal crash unfolded on the Belt Parkway ramp when a 2010 Honda sedan collided with a parked 2023 Jeep SUV, according to the police report. The report states, 'A 2010 Honda slammed into a parked Jeep. The driver's head struck hard. Airbags burst. The man, 23, died alone in the dark. His seatbelt held. The ramp stayed still. No one else was there.' The sole occupant, a 23-year-old male driver, suffered fatal head injuries. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The Jeep was unoccupied and stationary at the time of the collision. The report notes the driver was restrained and airbags deployed, but does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash left the ramp empty and silent, underscoring the lethal consequences when a moving vehicle collides with a stationary one.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786429 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02