Woodside’s kill zones: Queens Blvd, Roosevelt, and the BQE

Apr 5 - A BMW and motorcycle collided on Woodhaven Boulevard. Both vehicles burned. The motorcyclist died at the scene. The BMW driver survived. No arrests. Police are investigating. Another life lost on a wide, fast Queens road.

According to NY Daily News (April 5, 2025), a fatal crash occurred at 60th Drive and Woodhaven Blvd. in Rego Park, Queens. A BMW SUV and a motorcycle, both heading south, collided around 9:22 a.m. Both vehicles caught fire. Police said, 'only the car driver survived the collision.' EMS pronounced the motorcycle rider dead at the scene. The BMW driver was hospitalized in stable condition. No arrests have been made, and police continue to investigate. The crash highlights the persistent dangers on major Queens thoroughfares, where high speeds and heavy traffic put vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motorcyclist Killed In Queens Collision Blaze, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-05

Apr 4 - Two cars left the street in Queens. One hit children and a man on a sidewalk. Another plowed into women waiting at a bus shelter. Broken bones, head wounds, fear. No one died. Streets turned dangerous in a blink.

CBS New York reported on April 4, 2025, that two separate crashes in Queens left multiple pedestrians injured. In Astoria, a 35-year-old driver 'lost control of her vehicle and went onto the sidewalk, running over two girls, ages 7 and 14.' Police charged her with reckless driving and driving without a license. Later, in South Ozone Park, a 79-year-old driver swerved, sideswiped a bus, then 'jumped the curb and struck four women who were standing at a bus shelter.' All victims survived, but injuries ranged from broken bones to head trauma. The incidents highlight ongoing dangers for pedestrians and raise questions about driver screening and street design.

• Queens Drivers Mount Sidewalks, Hit Pedestrians, CBS New York, Published 2025-04-04

Apr 3 - Two cars struck Jorman Esparza-Olivares at a busy Rego Park crossing. He suffered head and body trauma. Medics rushed him to Elmhurst. He died six days later. Both drivers stayed. No charges. The intersection remains dangerous.

NY Daily News reported on April 3, 2025, that Jorman Esparza-Olivares, 23, was killed after being struck by two drivers while riding his e-bike north on 63rd Drive at Queens Blvd. The crash occurred just before 5:30 p.m. on March 19. According to police, 'It wasn't clear if any of the men involved in the crash ran a red light.' Esparza-Olivares suffered severe injuries and died six days later at Elmhurst Medical Center. Both drivers, operating a Ford SUV and a Mercedes Benz, remained at the scene and were not immediately charged. The incident highlights persistent risks for cyclists at major intersections and raises questions about traffic controls and driver awareness on Queens Blvd.

• E-Bike Rider Killed At Queens Intersection, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-03

Apr 2 - A bus and sedan collided on Broadway in Queens. A 17-year-old passenger suffered a fractured arm. Police cite unsafe speed as a factor. Metal and glass met. The system failed the vulnerable again.

A bus and a sedan crashed on Broadway at 57th Street in Queens. According to the police report, unsafe speed contributed to the collision. A 17-year-old male passenger was injured, suffering a fractured arm and dislocation. The crash involved multiple vehicles and left one young passenger hurt. Police listed 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. No other injuries were specified. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804999 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 28 - A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.

NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.

• Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

Mar 26 - A 19-year-old pedestrian was struck by a northbound garbage truck on 61st Street in Queens. The impact injured the pedestrian’s knee and lower leg. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the truck’s right front bumper made contact.

According to the police report, a garbage truck traveling north on 61st Street in Queens struck a 19-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing against the signal. The truck’s right front bumper was the point of impact, causing injuries to the pedestrian’s knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was conscious and suffered abrasions. The report identifies the pedestrian’s action of crossing against the signal but does not list any contributing driver errors explicitly. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection when struck. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the pedestrian’s crossing behavior as a factor. No victim blame is implied; the focus remains on the hazardous conditions created by the vehicle-pedestrian interaction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801533 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 17 - A 56-year-old male driver lost consciousness behind the wheel in Queens. His sedan struck multiple parked vehicles. He was injured and incoherent at the scene. The crash caused front-end damage to his vehicle and rear impacts to parked SUVs and vans.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old male driver in Queens lost consciousness while driving his sedan southbound near 34-37 59th Street. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness but became incoherent and injured during the crash. The sedan's front end struck the center back end of a parked van and the right rear quarter panel of a parked SUV. Additional parked SUVs sustained damage to their rear bumpers and right side doors. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s medical condition led to the collision. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited. The driver was not ejected and was the only occupant in his vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799332 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 15 - A minivan struck a 78-year-old woman crossing Northern Boulevard. The driver fled. She died at the hospital. Police have not released her name. No arrests. The street stayed open. The city moved on.

According to NY Daily News (published March 15, 2025), a 78-year-old woman was killed crossing Northern Blvd. near Parsons Blvd. in Flushing around 9:30 p.m. Friday. Police said, "A 78-year-old woman was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver as she crossed a Queens street." The dark-colored minivan was traveling west when it hit her mid-block. The driver did not stop. No arrests have been made. The victim was taken to New York Presbyterian-Queens Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her name has not been released. The crash highlights ongoing dangers for pedestrians on major city corridors and the persistent issue of drivers fleeing fatal scenes.

• Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-15

Mar 13 - A 16-year-old motorcyclist suffered hip and leg injuries after a collision with an SUV on Broadway. The crash involved improper lane usage by the motorcycle driver. The motorcyclist was conscious and wearing a helmet at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway in Queens at 14:53. A 16-year-old male motorcyclist, operating with a permit, collided with a station wagon/SUV while traveling east. The motorcycle's right front bumper struck the SUV's left front quarter panel. The motorcyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions and upper leg and hip injuries, but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the motorcycle operator. The SUV driver was licensed and was reportedly avoiding an object in the roadway prior to impact. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but no other victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798505 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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.

• Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-03-13

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

Mar 4 - Council eyes 150 new street cameras to ticket illegal parkers. Double parking blocks crosswalks, hydrants, bike lanes. Lawmakers say chaos endangers walkers and riders. DOT backs tech to clear streets. Delivery drivers worry. Streets stay dangerous until cars yield space.

On March 4, 2025, Assemblyman Steven Raga proposed a bill to install 150 automated cameras across New York City. The measure, discussed in the council and supported by the NYC Department of Transportation, aims to ticket drivers who double park or block critical spaces. The bill summary states: 'Double parking and curb violations aren’t just a nuisance – they’re a public safety hazard.' Raga and DOT officials argue that manual enforcement cannot keep up with rising car numbers, leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk. Raga led the push, highlighting blocked hydrants and crosswalks as threats. DOT said automated enforcement 'helps keep streets clear, reduces congestion, and protects New Yorkers.' Delivery drivers voiced concern about work impacts, but the bill’s focus remains on clearing space for vulnerable road users. The proposal awaits further council action.

• NYC lawmaker wants 150 new street cams to ticket drivers — including double-parkers: ‘It’s a headache’, nypost.com, Published 2025-03-04

Mar 3 - A motorcycle struck the back of a stopped SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash’s impact and injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway around 5 p.m. A motorcycle, traveling east, rear-ended a station wagon/SUV that was stopped in traffic. The motorcycle driver, a 37-year-old male, was wearing a helmet and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the collision. The motorcycle’s point of impact was the center back end of the SUV, which also sustained damage at the same location. The motorcycle driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. This crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways, resulting in serious injuries to vulnerable vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 3 - Lawmakers push for cameras to ticket double parkers. Streets choke with blocked bike lanes and chaos. Manual enforcement fails. DOT backs automation. Some lawmakers resist, call for cops. Vulnerable road users left dodging danger as debate drags.

On March 3, 2025, a legislative proposal surfaced to deploy automated parking enforcement cameras across New York City. Assemblymember Steven Raga leads the push for a $35 million pilot, aiming to install 150 cameras targeting double parking and illegal stops. The bill, not yet assigned a committee or number, seeks to automate enforcement where manual efforts fall short. Raga writes, 'manual enforcement has not been able to meet the demand to combat double parking and illegal parking.' State Senator Simcha Felder of District 44 opposes the measure, arguing for traditional police summonses instead. The Department of Transportation supports the expansion, stating, 'Automated enforcement has proven to change driver behavior and make our streets safer for everyone.' The debate centers on whether automation or police presence best protects pedestrians and cyclists from blocked lanes and traffic hazards.

• New push for automated ticketing of drivers who double park in NYC, gothamist.com, Published 2025-03-03

Feb 28 - A distracted SUV driver making a left turn struck a 40-year-old woman crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention at unsignalized crossings.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2020 Jeep SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, struck her while making a left turn in Queens near 43-22 69th Street at 5:59 AM. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal and sustained a head contusion, remaining conscious after the impact. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. This incident highlights the critical role of driver distraction in crashes involving vulnerable pedestrians, especially at locations without traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795897 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 27 - A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.

According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.

• Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

Feb 26 - A Mercedes ran a red. It hit a BMW broadside at 107th and Northern. The BMW’s driver died. The Mercedes driver, a firefighter, faces charges. Two passengers hurt. The street stayed quiet, but the damage was done.

According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), a Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. in Queens, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The Mercedes, driven by FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, T-boned Diaz’s car. Surveillance footage showed Diaz entering the intersection as the pedestrian signal allowed crossing. Pena was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The FDNY suspended Pena without pay. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article quotes a local shop owner: "It was terrible." The crash highlights the lethal risk of red-light running and impaired driving at city intersections.

• Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26

Feb 21 - A moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being struck from behind by an SUV on Broadway in Queens. The crash involved driver errors including reaction to an uninvolved vehicle and following too closely. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Broadway in Queens involving a moped and a station wagon/SUV, both traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites driver errors including "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" and "Following Too Closely" as contributing factors. The moped driver was conscious and not ejected but suffered injury severity level 3. Both vehicles showed no damage despite the impact occurring at the center back end of the moped and the center front end of the SUV. The SUV driver’s failure to maintain safe distance and proper reaction led to the collision. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794366 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 19 - Two sedans collided on 49 Ave in Queens at night. Both drivers suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed and driver inattention as causes. Vehicles struck front to rear, leaving damage and pain in their wake.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:20 on 49 Ave in Queens involving two sedans traveling north. The first vehicle was going straight ahead when it struck the rear of a parked sedan. Both drivers, men aged 31 and 43, were injured with back pain and shock. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. Neither driver was ejected, and safety equipment such as airbags and lap belts were deployed or used. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the moving sedan and the center back end of the parked vehicle. This crash highlights the dangers of speeding and distracted driving in urban streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 17 - A 42-year-old woman suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver, distracted and inattentive, hit her while she crossed with the signal at a Queens intersection. The truck made a left turn and struck her with its left front bumper.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 69 St and 51 Ave in Queens at 8:37 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2023 Ford pick-up truck, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her with its left front bumper. The driver was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity 3, and remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report emphasizes the driver's failure to maintain attention during the maneuver, directly causing the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were noted beyond crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793229 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04