Eight Dead in Elmhurst—How Many More Before City Hall Acts?

A driver reversed into a box truck, spun onto the sidewalk, and struck two girls and a man outside a Queens school. A seven-year-old suffered a broken femur and head injury. Police charged the driver with reckless endangerment and driving unlicensed.

According to the New York Post (April 4, 2025), an unlicensed driver, Salmata Bah, reversed her Nissan Versa into a box truck and then spun onto the sidewalk outside Our World Neighborhood Charter School in Astoria. The crash injured three people: a 7-year-old girl with a broken femur and head injury, a 14-year-old girl with leg injuries, and a 58-year-old man with bruises. Police arrested Bah and charged her with 'reckless endangerment, reckless driving and driving without a license.' The article notes this incident follows another fatal crash involving an unlicensed driver in Brooklyn. Both cases highlight the risks posed by unlicensed driving and raise questions about enforcement and street design near schools.

• Unlicensed Driver Hits Kids Outside School, New York Post, Published 2025-04-04

Open Streets faces cuts. Federal funds are gone. Mayor Adams offers no city money. DOT warns of shrinking hours and scope. Council Member Krishnan blasts the move. Streets once safe for walkers and riders now risk return to cars. The future is uncertain.

On April 3, 2025, New York City’s Open Streets program entered crisis. The program, legislated by the City Council, lost its federal Covid funding. Mayor Adams has not allocated city funds. The Department of Transportation (DOT) says $5 million is needed to maintain current operations, but the Council’s preliminary budget omits this. DOT Chief of Staff Ryan Lynch told advocates the agency is lobbying for replacement funds. Council Member Shekar Krishnan criticized the mayor’s stance, saying, “It’s deeply misguided to cut funds from the open street program, especially at this moment.” The City Comptroller’s office also faulted the administration for poor planning. The funding gap has already led to reduced hours and fewer open streets. Council members are pushing for restoration, but the program’s future hangs in the balance.

• Open Street Program in Jeopardy As Mayor Adams Is Not Funding It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-03

A 27-year-old woman suffered abrasions and arm injuries after an unlicensed driver reversed a sport utility vehicle unsafely in Queens. The pedestrian was struck outside an intersection, hit by the vehicle’s right rear bumper, sustaining moderate injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:00 in Queens near 89-01 Queens Blvd. The driver, a female operating a 2011 SUV without a license, was backing unsafely from a parked position. The vehicle’s right rear bumper struck a 27-year-old female pedestrian who was not in the roadway and was outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The driver’s unlicensed status further underscores systemic danger. The pedestrian’s actions were not listed as contributing factors. Vehicle damage was limited to the right rear bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802694 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. He struck a young airport worker heading to his job. The crash killed the worker. The driver was drunk, high, and going 83 in a 25 zone. He faces manslaughter charges.

According to NY Daily News (March 28, 2025), probationary firefighter Michael Pena was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter for a deadly crash on February 26. Prosecutors say 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 twice the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article notes, 'Police charged Pena with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing to take a breath test.' Surveillance footage confirmed Pena had been drinking for hours before the crash. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of impaired, reckless driving and raises questions about screening and accountability for city employees operating vehicles.

• Firefighter Kills Worker in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

A 34-year-old woman crossing Baxter Avenue away from an intersection was struck by an eastbound SUV. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and abrasions. The driver’s inattention and disregard for traffic control led to the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Baxter Avenue in Queens at 3:30 AM. A 34-year-old female pedestrian was crossing outside of a crosswalk or signal when she was hit by a Station Wagon/SUV traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and abrasions but remained conscious. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, highlighting the driver’s failure to yield and maintain attention. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian’s crossing location is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and failure to observe traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803177 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 16-year-old boy suffered upper leg injuries and shock after a BMW sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The vehicle was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The pedestrian was at the intersection, injured but not ejected.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Britton Ave and Elbertson St in Queens around 9:30 PM. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The collision involved a 2020 BMW sedan traveling south and making a right turn. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian but does not identify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the driver’s details were not provided. The pedestrian was located at the intersection at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

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

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

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

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

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

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

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.

• FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26

A 22-year-old man crossing Broadway with the signal was hit. He suffered knee and foot injuries. The driver went straight. Police list unspecified driver errors. The street turned violent in the early morning dark.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Broadway at Baxter Ave in Queens at 2:21 AM. He was crossing with the signal when a northbound vehicle going straight struck him. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock. The police report lists 'unspecified' contributing factors, indicating driver error played a role. No vehicle type or driver details were provided. The report does not attribute any fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794992 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

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

Assembly bill A 5440 targets reckless drivers. It makes car owners pay when their vehicles run red lights. Cameras catch the lawbreakers. The aim: fewer crashes, safer streets for all.

Assembly bill A 5440 was introduced on February 14, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled "Imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York," seeks to hold vehicle owners accountable when their cars violate traffic signals, using camera enforcement. Assembly Member Steven Raga sponsors the bill, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Tony Simone, Yudelka Tapia, Karines Reyes, and Marcela Mitaynes as co-sponsors. No safety analyst note is available. The bill aims to curb dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users by making owners answer for violations caught on camera.

• File A 5440, Open States, Published 2025-02-14

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

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