East Elmhurst: The Corner Takes the Hit

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 48-year-old male bicyclist was injured in Queens after a failure to yield right-of-way. The cyclist suffered a shoulder contusion and bruising. The crash involved impact to the bike’s right rear quarter panel, highlighting driver error and systemic risk.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 96 Street near 30 Avenue in Queens at 8:50 p.m. The injured party was a 48-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, operating his bike straight ahead when the collision happened. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating a clear driver error. The impact point was the bike’s right rear quarter panel, causing upper arm and shoulder injuries classified as contusions and bruises. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No safety equipment was reported in use. The data focuses on the failure to yield right-of-way by the driver, underscoring systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801471 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 11 - Two SUVs crashed on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. One driver suffered neck injuries and shock. The collision involved improper lane usage. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage. The incident exposed dangerous driver errors on a busy city street.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:02 on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. Two station wagons/SUVs collided, one traveling east going straight ahead, the other making a left turn southwest. The point of impact was the center front end of the eastbound SUV and the right side doors of the turning SUV. The contributing factor cited was 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' indicating driver error in lane management. One driver, a 45-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered neck injuries and was in shock. Both vehicles sustained damage consistent with the described impact points. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing solely on driver errors and improper lane usage as the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 3 - Two sedans collided head-on on 96th Street around 9 p.m. One driver, a 47-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries. The crash involved disregard of traffic control, causing significant front-end damage to both vehicles and serious injury to one occupant.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling straight ahead collided on 96th Street near Jackson Mill Road at 9 p.m. The impact occurred at the right front bumper of the Ford and the center front end of the Infiniti. The 47-year-old female driver of the Ford was injured, sustaining neck injuries and internal complaints, and was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. Both drivers were licensed, and the injured occupant was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused significant damage to the front ends of both vehicles, highlighting systemic dangers related to traffic control compliance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796516 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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

Feb 27 - Delivery workers rallied against Hochul’s e-bike crackdown. Council weighs bills to license e-bikes, raise pay, and study conditions. DOT opposes registration. Advocates warn of criminalization. City Hall silent. Streets stay dangerous for those on foot and bike.

On February 27, 2025, the City Council considered three bills: Intro 606 (register and license all e-bikes), Intro 1133 (expand minimum wage, study delivery worker conditions), and Intro 1135 (set minimum pay for grocery delivery). Intro 606 faces opposition from DOT, which says, 'there is no evidence that registration improves safety.' The matter’s summary warns that Hochul’s plan would let NYPD enforce bike lane speed limits and reclassify heavy e-bikes as mopeds, requiring licenses and registration. Council members are split: Brad Lander supports regulation targeting app companies, not workers; Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani call for better street design; Michael Blake urges targeted safety solutions and more infrastructure. Advocates like Ligia Guallpa say these measures would criminalize delivery workers and create a 'ticketing-to-deportation pipeline.' The Council press office did not comment. The debate exposes a city divided on how to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Leadership Vacuum: Delivery Workers Oppose Hochul’s E-Bike Plan as Adams Goes AWOL, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-27

Feb 20 - Two SUVs collided on 99th Street in Queens as one struck the other from behind. The 73-year-old driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Slippery pavement contributed to the crash, according to the police report.

According to the police report, at 6:50 PM on 99th Street in Queens, a 2017 Hyundai SUV traveling north rear-ended a 2011 Jeep SUV also traveling north. The point of impact was the center back end of the Jeep and the center front end of the Hyundai. The 73-year-old female driver of the Jeep sustained neck injuries described as whiplash and was conscious at the scene. The report cites slippery pavement as a contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash shows the dangers posed by road conditions and driver inability to adjust, resulting in a rear-end collision that injured a vulnerable occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 18 - Senators move to guard bike lanes. Cameras will catch drivers who block or invade. The city’s cyclists and walkers get a shot at safer streets. No more hiding behind the wheel.

Senate bill S 5008, now in sponsorship, aims to launch a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced February 18, 2025, sits in committee. Its summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal leads, joined by Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, Jessica Ramos, and Julia Salazar. The bill targets drivers who block or misuse bike lanes, using cameras to enforce the rules. The move puts pressure on the city to protect cyclists and pedestrians from daily danger.

• File S 5008, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 14 - Three sedans collided eastbound on Grand Central Parkway, causing head injuries to a 69-year-old male driver. The crash involved rear-end impacts amid slippery pavement conditions. The driver remained conscious but suffered abrasions and head trauma.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:00 AM on Grand Central Parkway involving three sedans traveling eastbound. The vehicles were stopped in traffic when the collision occurred, with impact centered on the back ends of two vehicles and the front end of the third. The report cites slippery pavement as a contributing factor. A 69-year-old male driver, occupant of one sedan, sustained head injuries and abrasions but was conscious at the scene. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness, and the air bag deployed. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly noted in the report. The crash highlights the systemic danger posed by hazardous road conditions leading to multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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.

• Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14

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

Feb 12 - Two SUVs collided on 104 Street in Queens, injuring both drivers and a front passenger. Both drivers were distracted, causing a side-impact crash. Neck injuries and shock were reported. The crash left both vehicles damaged and occupants shaken.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 104 Street near 32 Avenue in Queens at 13:39. Two station wagons/SUVs collided: a 2008 Chevrolet traveling west and a 2019 Honda traveling south. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the center front end of the Chevrolet and the left side doors of the Honda. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The Honda carried two occupants: an 18-year-old female driver and a 19-year-old female front passenger, both injured with neck injuries and in shock. Both occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The Chevrolet had one male driver, licensed in NY. The collision caused visible damage to both vehicles and resulted in injury severity level 3 for the Honda occupants. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792310 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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.

• Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08

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.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Jan 29 - A sedan rear-ended a stopped vehicle on Grand Central Parkway. The driver of the struck car suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:53 on Grand Central Parkway involving two sedans traveling east. One sedan was stopped in traffic when the following sedan failed to stop and collided with the center back end of the stopped vehicle. The driver of the struck vehicle, a 36-year-old female occupant, was conscious but injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the collision. The driver of the rear vehicle did not maintain attention, causing the rear-end impact. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789321 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - A sedan making a left turn struck a 52-year-old man crossing 23 Ave at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and bruises. Driver inattention caused the collision, highlighting dangers at busy Queens intersections.

According to the police report, a 2018 Mercedes sedan traveling northwest on 23 Ave was making a left turn when it struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and contusions, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication that the pedestrian's actions contributed to the collision. The driver's failure to maintain attention while executing the turn directly led to the pedestrian's injury, underscoring systemic risks posed by distracted driving in Queens intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788070 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

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.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22