About these crash totals
Counts come from NYC police crash reports (NYC Open Data). We sum all crashes, injuries, and deaths for this area across the selected time window shown on the card. Injury severity follows the official definitions in the NYPD dataset.
- Crashes: number of police‑reported collisions (all road users).
- All injuries: total injured people in those crashes.
- Moderate / Serious: subcategories reported by officers (e.g., broken bones vs. life‑threatening trauma).
- Deaths: people who died due to a crash.
Notes: Police reports can be corrected after initial publication. Minor incidents without a police report are not included.
Close▸ Killed 3
▸ Crush Injuries 5
▸ Amputation 1
▸ Severe Bleeding 3
▸ Concussion 4
▸ Whiplash 21
▸ Contusion/Bruise 21
▸ Abrasion 27
▸ Pain/Nausea 5
About this chart
We group pedestrian injuries and deaths by the vehicle type that struck them (as recorded in police reports). Use the dropdown to view totals, serious injuries, or deaths.
- Trucks/Buses, SUVs/Cars, Mopeds, and Bikes reflect the reporting categories in the crash dataset.
- Counts include people on foot only; crashes with no injured pedestrians are not shown here.
Notes: Police classification can change during investigations. Small categories may have year-to-year variance.
CloseAbout these numbers
These totals count vehicles with at least the shown number of camera‑issued speeding violations (school‑zone speed cameras) in any rolling 12‑month window in this district. Totals are summed from 2022 to the present for this geography.
- ≥ 6 (6+): advocates’ standard for repeat speeding offenders who should face escalating consequences.
- ≥ 16 (16+): threshold in the current edited bill awaiting State Senate action.
About this list
This ranks vehicles by the number of NYC school‑zone speed‑camera violations they received in the last 12 months anywhere in the city. The smaller note shows how many times the same plate was caught in this area in the last 90 days.
Camera violations are issued by NYC DOT’s program. Counts reflect issued tickets and may omit dismissed or pending cases. Plate text is shown verbatim as recorded.
CloseMain Street’s Reckoning: A Bike, a Truck, and the Pattern We Refuse to Break
Queensboro Hill: Jan 1, 2022 - Oct 9, 2025
Just before 4 PM at Main St and 57 Rd, a man on a bike hit a pickup’s left side and went down. Police marked the crash as speed-related; the cyclist suffered crush injuries NYC Open Data.
This Week
- At Main St and 57 Rd, a pickup driver was “starting in traffic” when the bike hit; the rider was ejected and seriously hurt NYC Open Data.
- At the Long Island Expressway and Kissena Blvd, a driver turned right into a man on a bike; he was hospitalized NYC Open Data.
- That same junction saw a two‑SUV crash with one serious injury NYC Open Data.
- Near 57‑01 Main St, a driver going straight hit a man walking outside an intersection; he was hurt NYC Open Data.
The tally on these blocks
Since Jan 1, 2022, Queensboro Hill has recorded 967 crashes, injuring 587 people and killing 3 NYC Open Data. Pedestrians account for 97 injuries and 1 death; people on bikes, 35 injuries NYC Open Data. The Long Island Expressway corridor is the worst point on the map here, with 2 deaths and 196 injuries; Main St follows with dozens more NYC Open Data. Injuries spike in the mid‑afternoon; 2 PM is the peak hour in this zone NYC Open Data.
Police records show named driver behaviors, over and over: failure to yield to people in the crosswalk, unsafe lane changes, and unsafe speed. Each shows up in this neighborhood’s severe crashes since 2022 NYC Open Data.
What the street asks for
Start with the hotspots. The Expressway frontage roads and Main St need hard fixes: daylighting at corners, hardened left turns, and leading pedestrian intervals that hold turning drivers back a beat. Build a protected bike lane on Main St where the September and October bike crashes hit. Target the mid‑afternoon hours with consistent enforcement. These are basic tools, and the crash logs here justify them NYC Open Data.
Albany wrote the tools. Will we use them here?
The most dangerous drivers are repeat speeders. The Stop Super Speeders Act would force cars tied to repeated camera and point violations to use speed‑limiting tech. State Sen. John Liu co‑sponsored and voted “yes” on S 4045 in committee on June 11 and June 12, 2025 Open States. Assembly Member Nily Rozic co‑sponsors the matching A 2299 in the Assembly Open States. The bills exist. The sponsors are ours. The risk is on our streets.
Lower the speed. Stop the repeats.
A slower default speed citywide and mandatory limiters for habitual speeders would cut the violence that keeps landing on Main St and along the Expressway. The Council Member here is Sandra Ung. The Senator is John Liu. The Assembly Member is Nily Rozic. The path is written in their dockets Open States Open States.
The man on the bike at 57 Rd is still a person, not a data point. We don’t need one more case study to act. Take one step now: ask your officials to use the tools we already have /take_action/.
Frequently Asked Questions
▸ What changed here in the past month?
▸ Where are the worst spots?
▸ What is CrashCount?
▸ How were these numbers calculated?
▸ What fixes make sense right now?
▸ Who can stop the worst repeat speeders?
Citations
▸ Citations
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – Crashes - Persons dataset, Vehicles dataset , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-10-09
- File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16
- File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-11
Other Representatives
Assembly Member Nily Rozic
District 25
Council Member Sandra Ung
District 20
State Senator John Liu
District 16
▸ Other Geographies
Queensboro Hill Queensboro Hill sits in Queens, Precinct 109, District 20, AD 25, SD 16, Queens CB7.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Queensboro Hill
4
Unlicensed Driver Injures Three in Queens Crash▸Apr 4 - A woman without a license lost control near a Queens school. Her car hit two girls and a man on the sidewalk. The crash broke bones and sent all three to the hospital. Police charged her. Residents demand safer streets.
CBS New York reported on April 4, 2025, that Salmata Bah, driving without a license, struck two girls and a man outside an Astoria elementary school. Police said Bah 'lost control of her Nissan Versa and drove onto the sidewalk,' injuring the pedestrians. The younger girl suffered a broken leg and head injury; the older girl and a 58-year-old man had leg injuries. Bah was charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and driving without a license. She has never held a valid New York driver's license. The Highway Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing how control was lost. Residents called for 'increased safety measures, like speed bumps.' The case highlights ongoing risks from unlicensed drivers and the need for stronger street protections.
-
Unlicensed Driver Injures Three in Queens Crash,
CBS New York,
Published 2025-04-04
1
Truck and Sedan Collide on Expressway in Queens▸Apr 1 - A truck and sedan crashed on the Long Island Expressway. One driver suffered hip and leg injuries. Three others were hurt. The crash left metal twisted and lives shaken.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens involved a diesel tractor truck and a sedan. According to the police report, one driver suffered hip and upper leg injuries and reported whiplash. Three other occupants were also hurt. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were parked before the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor. The crash highlights the danger facing vehicle occupants on city highways.
31
Distracted Driver Strikes Pedestrian at Intersection▸Mar 31 - A 19-year-old crossing with the signal was hit by a distracted driver turning right on Long Island Expressway. The crash left him with arm abrasions. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the injury.
According to the police report, a 19-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal near Long Island Expressway and Kissena Boulevard at 11 p.m. when a vehicle traveling northeast made a right turn and struck him. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. No other occupants were in the vehicle. The driver’s distraction and failure to yield directly led to the crash. The pedestrian’s lawful crossing was noted but not cited as a factor.
29
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist▸Mar 29 - A speeding firefighter ran a red light on Northern Boulevard. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. The driver was drunk, high, and off duty. He did not help. The city fired him. The family mourns and demands justice.
According to the New York Post (published March 29, 2025), probationary firefighter Michael Pena was fired after he drove drunk and high, ran a red light, and crashed into Justin Diaz’s car in Queens on February 26, 2025. Surveillance footage showed Pena’s Mercedes striking Diaz’s BMW at high speed, sending it skidding down the street. Diaz, 23, died. Pena admitted at the scene, 'I hit him. I ran the red light. And I'm a firefighter.' The FDNY cited conduct rules in his dismissal. The article highlights Pena’s failure to render aid and notes his attempt to invoke his firefighter status. The case raises questions about accountability for city employees and the dangers of impaired, reckless driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist,
New York Post,
Published 2025-03-29
28
Speeding Unlicensed Motorbike Rider Ejected on Main Street▸Mar 28 - A motorbike slammed into a stopped sedan on Main Street. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, flew headfirst onto the asphalt. Skull shattered. Blood pooled beneath streetlights. The sedan’s rear crumpled. The city’s silence pressed in.
A violent crash unfolded on Main Street near 56th Avenue in Queens when a motorbike, traveling at unsafe speed, struck the rear of a stopped sedan, according to the police report. The report states the motorbike rider was unlicensed and not wearing a helmet. The rider was ejected and suffered severe head injuries, described as 'skull crushed' and 'crush injuries,' but remained conscious as blood pooled beneath the streetlights. The sedan’s rear end was heavily damaged. Police cite 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The report notes the sedan was 'stopped in traffic' at the time of impact. The motorbike’s driver license status is listed as 'Unlicensed.' The police report makes no mention of any actions by the sedan driver contributing to the crash. The focus remains on the dangers of speed, inexperience, and unlicensed operation.
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash▸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
27
Sedan Fails to Yield, Crushes Elderly Pedestrian▸Mar 27 - A Subaru sedan struck an 82-year-old man in a Queens crosswalk. The car’s front end crushed his back. He lay conscious on cold asphalt, bones broken, eyes open. Marked lines offered no shield. The driver failed to yield.
According to the police report, an 82-year-old man was crossing 57th Road at 136th Street in Queens, walking within the marked crosswalk. A 2002 Subaru sedan, traveling east, struck him head-on. The report states the pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his back and remained conscious beneath the vehicle, his bones broken. The police report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s center front end bore the impact. The pedestrian’s action is described as 'Crossing, No Signal, Marked Crosswalk,' but the report attributes the collision to the driver’s failure to yield. The narrative details the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the man in the crosswalk, underscoring the systemic danger when drivers disregard pedestrian right-of-way.
19
Sedan Collision in Queens Injures Driver▸Mar 19 - Two sedans collided head-on in Queens at 10:53 a.m. The impact injured a 50-year-old female driver, who suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound collided near 148-21 61 Road in Queens. The driver of a 2014 BMW sedan, a 50-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock after the crash. The report states the point of impact was the left front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the other sedan, which overturned. The driver was not ejected and was unrestrained. Police identified unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash occurred at 10:53 a.m., highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even during daylight hours.
15
Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run▸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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Apr 4 - A woman without a license lost control near a Queens school. Her car hit two girls and a man on the sidewalk. The crash broke bones and sent all three to the hospital. Police charged her. Residents demand safer streets.
CBS New York reported on April 4, 2025, that Salmata Bah, driving without a license, struck two girls and a man outside an Astoria elementary school. Police said Bah 'lost control of her Nissan Versa and drove onto the sidewalk,' injuring the pedestrians. The younger girl suffered a broken leg and head injury; the older girl and a 58-year-old man had leg injuries. Bah was charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and driving without a license. She has never held a valid New York driver's license. The Highway Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing how control was lost. Residents called for 'increased safety measures, like speed bumps.' The case highlights ongoing risks from unlicensed drivers and the need for stronger street protections.
- Unlicensed Driver Injures Three in Queens Crash, CBS New York, Published 2025-04-04
1
Truck and Sedan Collide on Expressway in Queens▸Apr 1 - A truck and sedan crashed on the Long Island Expressway. One driver suffered hip and leg injuries. Three others were hurt. The crash left metal twisted and lives shaken.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens involved a diesel tractor truck and a sedan. According to the police report, one driver suffered hip and upper leg injuries and reported whiplash. Three other occupants were also hurt. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were parked before the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor. The crash highlights the danger facing vehicle occupants on city highways.
31
Distracted Driver Strikes Pedestrian at Intersection▸Mar 31 - A 19-year-old crossing with the signal was hit by a distracted driver turning right on Long Island Expressway. The crash left him with arm abrasions. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the injury.
According to the police report, a 19-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal near Long Island Expressway and Kissena Boulevard at 11 p.m. when a vehicle traveling northeast made a right turn and struck him. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. No other occupants were in the vehicle. The driver’s distraction and failure to yield directly led to the crash. The pedestrian’s lawful crossing was noted but not cited as a factor.
29
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist▸Mar 29 - A speeding firefighter ran a red light on Northern Boulevard. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. The driver was drunk, high, and off duty. He did not help. The city fired him. The family mourns and demands justice.
According to the New York Post (published March 29, 2025), probationary firefighter Michael Pena was fired after he drove drunk and high, ran a red light, and crashed into Justin Diaz’s car in Queens on February 26, 2025. Surveillance footage showed Pena’s Mercedes striking Diaz’s BMW at high speed, sending it skidding down the street. Diaz, 23, died. Pena admitted at the scene, 'I hit him. I ran the red light. And I'm a firefighter.' The FDNY cited conduct rules in his dismissal. The article highlights Pena’s failure to render aid and notes his attempt to invoke his firefighter status. The case raises questions about accountability for city employees and the dangers of impaired, reckless driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist,
New York Post,
Published 2025-03-29
28
Speeding Unlicensed Motorbike Rider Ejected on Main Street▸Mar 28 - A motorbike slammed into a stopped sedan on Main Street. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, flew headfirst onto the asphalt. Skull shattered. Blood pooled beneath streetlights. The sedan’s rear crumpled. The city’s silence pressed in.
A violent crash unfolded on Main Street near 56th Avenue in Queens when a motorbike, traveling at unsafe speed, struck the rear of a stopped sedan, according to the police report. The report states the motorbike rider was unlicensed and not wearing a helmet. The rider was ejected and suffered severe head injuries, described as 'skull crushed' and 'crush injuries,' but remained conscious as blood pooled beneath the streetlights. The sedan’s rear end was heavily damaged. Police cite 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The report notes the sedan was 'stopped in traffic' at the time of impact. The motorbike’s driver license status is listed as 'Unlicensed.' The police report makes no mention of any actions by the sedan driver contributing to the crash. The focus remains on the dangers of speed, inexperience, and unlicensed operation.
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash▸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
27
Sedan Fails to Yield, Crushes Elderly Pedestrian▸Mar 27 - A Subaru sedan struck an 82-year-old man in a Queens crosswalk. The car’s front end crushed his back. He lay conscious on cold asphalt, bones broken, eyes open. Marked lines offered no shield. The driver failed to yield.
According to the police report, an 82-year-old man was crossing 57th Road at 136th Street in Queens, walking within the marked crosswalk. A 2002 Subaru sedan, traveling east, struck him head-on. The report states the pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his back and remained conscious beneath the vehicle, his bones broken. The police report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s center front end bore the impact. The pedestrian’s action is described as 'Crossing, No Signal, Marked Crosswalk,' but the report attributes the collision to the driver’s failure to yield. The narrative details the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the man in the crosswalk, underscoring the systemic danger when drivers disregard pedestrian right-of-way.
19
Sedan Collision in Queens Injures Driver▸Mar 19 - Two sedans collided head-on in Queens at 10:53 a.m. The impact injured a 50-year-old female driver, who suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound collided near 148-21 61 Road in Queens. The driver of a 2014 BMW sedan, a 50-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock after the crash. The report states the point of impact was the left front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the other sedan, which overturned. The driver was not ejected and was unrestrained. Police identified unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash occurred at 10:53 a.m., highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even during daylight hours.
15
Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run▸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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Apr 1 - A truck and sedan crashed on the Long Island Expressway. One driver suffered hip and leg injuries. Three others were hurt. The crash left metal twisted and lives shaken.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens involved a diesel tractor truck and a sedan. According to the police report, one driver suffered hip and upper leg injuries and reported whiplash. Three other occupants were also hurt. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were parked before the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor. The crash highlights the danger facing vehicle occupants on city highways.
31
Distracted Driver Strikes Pedestrian at Intersection▸Mar 31 - A 19-year-old crossing with the signal was hit by a distracted driver turning right on Long Island Expressway. The crash left him with arm abrasions. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the injury.
According to the police report, a 19-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal near Long Island Expressway and Kissena Boulevard at 11 p.m. when a vehicle traveling northeast made a right turn and struck him. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. No other occupants were in the vehicle. The driver’s distraction and failure to yield directly led to the crash. The pedestrian’s lawful crossing was noted but not cited as a factor.
29
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist▸Mar 29 - A speeding firefighter ran a red light on Northern Boulevard. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. The driver was drunk, high, and off duty. He did not help. The city fired him. The family mourns and demands justice.
According to the New York Post (published March 29, 2025), probationary firefighter Michael Pena was fired after he drove drunk and high, ran a red light, and crashed into Justin Diaz’s car in Queens on February 26, 2025. Surveillance footage showed Pena’s Mercedes striking Diaz’s BMW at high speed, sending it skidding down the street. Diaz, 23, died. Pena admitted at the scene, 'I hit him. I ran the red light. And I'm a firefighter.' The FDNY cited conduct rules in his dismissal. The article highlights Pena’s failure to render aid and notes his attempt to invoke his firefighter status. The case raises questions about accountability for city employees and the dangers of impaired, reckless driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist,
New York Post,
Published 2025-03-29
28
Speeding Unlicensed Motorbike Rider Ejected on Main Street▸Mar 28 - A motorbike slammed into a stopped sedan on Main Street. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, flew headfirst onto the asphalt. Skull shattered. Blood pooled beneath streetlights. The sedan’s rear crumpled. The city’s silence pressed in.
A violent crash unfolded on Main Street near 56th Avenue in Queens when a motorbike, traveling at unsafe speed, struck the rear of a stopped sedan, according to the police report. The report states the motorbike rider was unlicensed and not wearing a helmet. The rider was ejected and suffered severe head injuries, described as 'skull crushed' and 'crush injuries,' but remained conscious as blood pooled beneath the streetlights. The sedan’s rear end was heavily damaged. Police cite 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The report notes the sedan was 'stopped in traffic' at the time of impact. The motorbike’s driver license status is listed as 'Unlicensed.' The police report makes no mention of any actions by the sedan driver contributing to the crash. The focus remains on the dangers of speed, inexperience, and unlicensed operation.
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash▸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
27
Sedan Fails to Yield, Crushes Elderly Pedestrian▸Mar 27 - A Subaru sedan struck an 82-year-old man in a Queens crosswalk. The car’s front end crushed his back. He lay conscious on cold asphalt, bones broken, eyes open. Marked lines offered no shield. The driver failed to yield.
According to the police report, an 82-year-old man was crossing 57th Road at 136th Street in Queens, walking within the marked crosswalk. A 2002 Subaru sedan, traveling east, struck him head-on. The report states the pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his back and remained conscious beneath the vehicle, his bones broken. The police report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s center front end bore the impact. The pedestrian’s action is described as 'Crossing, No Signal, Marked Crosswalk,' but the report attributes the collision to the driver’s failure to yield. The narrative details the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the man in the crosswalk, underscoring the systemic danger when drivers disregard pedestrian right-of-way.
19
Sedan Collision in Queens Injures Driver▸Mar 19 - Two sedans collided head-on in Queens at 10:53 a.m. The impact injured a 50-year-old female driver, who suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound collided near 148-21 61 Road in Queens. The driver of a 2014 BMW sedan, a 50-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock after the crash. The report states the point of impact was the left front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the other sedan, which overturned. The driver was not ejected and was unrestrained. Police identified unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash occurred at 10:53 a.m., highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even during daylight hours.
15
Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run▸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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Mar 31 - A 19-year-old crossing with the signal was hit by a distracted driver turning right on Long Island Expressway. The crash left him with arm abrasions. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the injury.
According to the police report, a 19-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal near Long Island Expressway and Kissena Boulevard at 11 p.m. when a vehicle traveling northeast made a right turn and struck him. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. No other occupants were in the vehicle. The driver’s distraction and failure to yield directly led to the crash. The pedestrian’s lawful crossing was noted but not cited as a factor.
29
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist▸Mar 29 - A speeding firefighter ran a red light on Northern Boulevard. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. The driver was drunk, high, and off duty. He did not help. The city fired him. The family mourns and demands justice.
According to the New York Post (published March 29, 2025), probationary firefighter Michael Pena was fired after he drove drunk and high, ran a red light, and crashed into Justin Diaz’s car in Queens on February 26, 2025. Surveillance footage showed Pena’s Mercedes striking Diaz’s BMW at high speed, sending it skidding down the street. Diaz, 23, died. Pena admitted at the scene, 'I hit him. I ran the red light. And I'm a firefighter.' The FDNY cited conduct rules in his dismissal. The article highlights Pena’s failure to render aid and notes his attempt to invoke his firefighter status. The case raises questions about accountability for city employees and the dangers of impaired, reckless driving on city streets.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist,
New York Post,
Published 2025-03-29
28
Speeding Unlicensed Motorbike Rider Ejected on Main Street▸Mar 28 - A motorbike slammed into a stopped sedan on Main Street. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, flew headfirst onto the asphalt. Skull shattered. Blood pooled beneath streetlights. The sedan’s rear crumpled. The city’s silence pressed in.
A violent crash unfolded on Main Street near 56th Avenue in Queens when a motorbike, traveling at unsafe speed, struck the rear of a stopped sedan, according to the police report. The report states the motorbike rider was unlicensed and not wearing a helmet. The rider was ejected and suffered severe head injuries, described as 'skull crushed' and 'crush injuries,' but remained conscious as blood pooled beneath the streetlights. The sedan’s rear end was heavily damaged. Police cite 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The report notes the sedan was 'stopped in traffic' at the time of impact. The motorbike’s driver license status is listed as 'Unlicensed.' The police report makes no mention of any actions by the sedan driver contributing to the crash. The focus remains on the dangers of speed, inexperience, and unlicensed operation.
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash▸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
27
Sedan Fails to Yield, Crushes Elderly Pedestrian▸Mar 27 - A Subaru sedan struck an 82-year-old man in a Queens crosswalk. The car’s front end crushed his back. He lay conscious on cold asphalt, bones broken, eyes open. Marked lines offered no shield. The driver failed to yield.
According to the police report, an 82-year-old man was crossing 57th Road at 136th Street in Queens, walking within the marked crosswalk. A 2002 Subaru sedan, traveling east, struck him head-on. The report states the pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his back and remained conscious beneath the vehicle, his bones broken. The police report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s center front end bore the impact. The pedestrian’s action is described as 'Crossing, No Signal, Marked Crosswalk,' but the report attributes the collision to the driver’s failure to yield. The narrative details the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the man in the crosswalk, underscoring the systemic danger when drivers disregard pedestrian right-of-way.
19
Sedan Collision in Queens Injures Driver▸Mar 19 - Two sedans collided head-on in Queens at 10:53 a.m. The impact injured a 50-year-old female driver, who suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound collided near 148-21 61 Road in Queens. The driver of a 2014 BMW sedan, a 50-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock after the crash. The report states the point of impact was the left front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the other sedan, which overturned. The driver was not ejected and was unrestrained. Police identified unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash occurred at 10:53 a.m., highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even during daylight hours.
15
Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run▸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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Mar 29 - A speeding firefighter ran a red light on Northern Boulevard. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. The driver was drunk, high, and off duty. He did not help. The city fired him. The family mourns and demands justice.
According to the New York Post (published March 29, 2025), probationary firefighter Michael Pena was fired after he drove drunk and high, ran a red light, and crashed into Justin Diaz’s car in Queens on February 26, 2025. Surveillance footage showed Pena’s Mercedes striking Diaz’s BMW at high speed, sending it skidding down the street. Diaz, 23, died. Pena admitted at the scene, 'I hit him. I ran the red light. And I'm a firefighter.' The FDNY cited conduct rules in his dismissal. The article highlights Pena’s failure to render aid and notes his attempt to invoke his firefighter status. The case raises questions about accountability for city employees and the dangers of impaired, reckless driving on city streets.
- Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Queens Motorist, New York Post, Published 2025-03-29
28
Speeding Unlicensed Motorbike Rider Ejected on Main Street▸Mar 28 - A motorbike slammed into a stopped sedan on Main Street. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, flew headfirst onto the asphalt. Skull shattered. Blood pooled beneath streetlights. The sedan’s rear crumpled. The city’s silence pressed in.
A violent crash unfolded on Main Street near 56th Avenue in Queens when a motorbike, traveling at unsafe speed, struck the rear of a stopped sedan, according to the police report. The report states the motorbike rider was unlicensed and not wearing a helmet. The rider was ejected and suffered severe head injuries, described as 'skull crushed' and 'crush injuries,' but remained conscious as blood pooled beneath the streetlights. The sedan’s rear end was heavily damaged. Police cite 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The report notes the sedan was 'stopped in traffic' at the time of impact. The motorbike’s driver license status is listed as 'Unlicensed.' The police report makes no mention of any actions by the sedan driver contributing to the crash. The focus remains on the dangers of speed, inexperience, and unlicensed operation.
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash▸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
27
Sedan Fails to Yield, Crushes Elderly Pedestrian▸Mar 27 - A Subaru sedan struck an 82-year-old man in a Queens crosswalk. The car’s front end crushed his back. He lay conscious on cold asphalt, bones broken, eyes open. Marked lines offered no shield. The driver failed to yield.
According to the police report, an 82-year-old man was crossing 57th Road at 136th Street in Queens, walking within the marked crosswalk. A 2002 Subaru sedan, traveling east, struck him head-on. The report states the pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his back and remained conscious beneath the vehicle, his bones broken. The police report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s center front end bore the impact. The pedestrian’s action is described as 'Crossing, No Signal, Marked Crosswalk,' but the report attributes the collision to the driver’s failure to yield. The narrative details the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the man in the crosswalk, underscoring the systemic danger when drivers disregard pedestrian right-of-way.
19
Sedan Collision in Queens Injures Driver▸Mar 19 - Two sedans collided head-on in Queens at 10:53 a.m. The impact injured a 50-year-old female driver, who suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound collided near 148-21 61 Road in Queens. The driver of a 2014 BMW sedan, a 50-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock after the crash. The report states the point of impact was the left front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the other sedan, which overturned. The driver was not ejected and was unrestrained. Police identified unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash occurred at 10:53 a.m., highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even during daylight hours.
15
Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run▸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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Mar 28 - A motorbike slammed into a stopped sedan on Main Street. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, flew headfirst onto the asphalt. Skull shattered. Blood pooled beneath streetlights. The sedan’s rear crumpled. The city’s silence pressed in.
A violent crash unfolded on Main Street near 56th Avenue in Queens when a motorbike, traveling at unsafe speed, struck the rear of a stopped sedan, according to the police report. The report states the motorbike rider was unlicensed and not wearing a helmet. The rider was ejected and suffered severe head injuries, described as 'skull crushed' and 'crush injuries,' but remained conscious as blood pooled beneath the streetlights. The sedan’s rear end was heavily damaged. Police cite 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The report notes the sedan was 'stopped in traffic' at the time of impact. The motorbike’s driver license status is listed as 'Unlicensed.' The police report makes no mention of any actions by the sedan driver contributing to the crash. The focus remains on the dangers of speed, inexperience, and unlicensed operation.
28
Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash▸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
27
Sedan Fails to Yield, Crushes Elderly Pedestrian▸Mar 27 - A Subaru sedan struck an 82-year-old man in a Queens crosswalk. The car’s front end crushed his back. He lay conscious on cold asphalt, bones broken, eyes open. Marked lines offered no shield. The driver failed to yield.
According to the police report, an 82-year-old man was crossing 57th Road at 136th Street in Queens, walking within the marked crosswalk. A 2002 Subaru sedan, traveling east, struck him head-on. The report states the pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his back and remained conscious beneath the vehicle, his bones broken. The police report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s center front end bore the impact. The pedestrian’s action is described as 'Crossing, No Signal, Marked Crosswalk,' but the report attributes the collision to the driver’s failure to yield. The narrative details the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the man in the crosswalk, underscoring the systemic danger when drivers disregard pedestrian right-of-way.
19
Sedan Collision in Queens Injures Driver▸Mar 19 - Two sedans collided head-on in Queens at 10:53 a.m. The impact injured a 50-year-old female driver, who suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound collided near 148-21 61 Road in Queens. The driver of a 2014 BMW sedan, a 50-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock after the crash. The report states the point of impact was the left front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the other sedan, which overturned. The driver was not ejected and was unrestrained. Police identified unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash occurred at 10:53 a.m., highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even during daylight hours.
15
Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run▸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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
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
27
Sedan Fails to Yield, Crushes Elderly Pedestrian▸Mar 27 - A Subaru sedan struck an 82-year-old man in a Queens crosswalk. The car’s front end crushed his back. He lay conscious on cold asphalt, bones broken, eyes open. Marked lines offered no shield. The driver failed to yield.
According to the police report, an 82-year-old man was crossing 57th Road at 136th Street in Queens, walking within the marked crosswalk. A 2002 Subaru sedan, traveling east, struck him head-on. The report states the pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his back and remained conscious beneath the vehicle, his bones broken. The police report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s center front end bore the impact. The pedestrian’s action is described as 'Crossing, No Signal, Marked Crosswalk,' but the report attributes the collision to the driver’s failure to yield. The narrative details the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the man in the crosswalk, underscoring the systemic danger when drivers disregard pedestrian right-of-way.
19
Sedan Collision in Queens Injures Driver▸Mar 19 - Two sedans collided head-on in Queens at 10:53 a.m. The impact injured a 50-year-old female driver, who suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound collided near 148-21 61 Road in Queens. The driver of a 2014 BMW sedan, a 50-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock after the crash. The report states the point of impact was the left front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the other sedan, which overturned. The driver was not ejected and was unrestrained. Police identified unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash occurred at 10:53 a.m., highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even during daylight hours.
15
Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run▸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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Mar 27 - A Subaru sedan struck an 82-year-old man in a Queens crosswalk. The car’s front end crushed his back. He lay conscious on cold asphalt, bones broken, eyes open. Marked lines offered no shield. The driver failed to yield.
According to the police report, an 82-year-old man was crossing 57th Road at 136th Street in Queens, walking within the marked crosswalk. A 2002 Subaru sedan, traveling east, struck him head-on. The report states the pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his back and remained conscious beneath the vehicle, his bones broken. The police report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s center front end bore the impact. The pedestrian’s action is described as 'Crossing, No Signal, Marked Crosswalk,' but the report attributes the collision to the driver’s failure to yield. The narrative details the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the man in the crosswalk, underscoring the systemic danger when drivers disregard pedestrian right-of-way.
19
Sedan Collision in Queens Injures Driver▸Mar 19 - Two sedans collided head-on in Queens at 10:53 a.m. The impact injured a 50-year-old female driver, who suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound collided near 148-21 61 Road in Queens. The driver of a 2014 BMW sedan, a 50-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock after the crash. The report states the point of impact was the left front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the other sedan, which overturned. The driver was not ejected and was unrestrained. Police identified unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash occurred at 10:53 a.m., highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even during daylight hours.
15
Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run▸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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Mar 19 - Two sedans collided head-on in Queens at 10:53 a.m. The impact injured a 50-year-old female driver, who suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound collided near 148-21 61 Road in Queens. The driver of a 2014 BMW sedan, a 50-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and was in shock after the crash. The report states the point of impact was the left front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the other sedan, which overturned. The driver was not ejected and was unrestrained. Police identified unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash occurred at 10:53 a.m., highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even during daylight hours.
15
Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run▸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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
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
14
SUV Rear-Ends Another on 161st Street▸Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Mar 14 - Two SUVs collided head-to-back on 161st Street. The trailing driver followed too closely, striking the lead vehicle. A 24-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles traveled eastbound, impact centered on front and rear ends.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 161st Street near Horace Harding Expressway at 3:40 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound, going straight ahead. The trailing SUV struck the lead SUV in the center back end, causing damage to the center front end of the trailing vehicle. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle's driver. The injured party was a 24-year-old female driver of the lead SUV, who sustained back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision demonstrates the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.
13
Unlicensed Driver Turns Left, Strikes Pedestrian▸Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Mar 13 - A sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, striking a 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered head abrasions and was injured at a Queens intersection.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:35 on Main St near 58 Ave in Queens. A 45-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2013 Kia sedan, driven southbound by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian at the intersection, impacting her head and causing abrasions. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no fault is attributed to her actions. The driver’s unlicensed status underscores systemic risks in traffic safety enforcement.
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.
-
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
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
6
E-Bike Rider Thrown, Face Torn on Main Street▸Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Mar 6 - A 49-year-old man on an e-bike struck at speed along Main Street near Peck Avenue. He was thrown forward, his face torn, blood pooling on the pavement. Alone and in shock, he lay still as the street held him.
A crash occurred on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens, involving a 49-year-old man riding an e-bike. According to the police report, the e-bike was traveling north and struck at speed, resulting in the rider being ejected and suffering severe facial injuries. The report describes, 'Face torn. Blood pooled on the pavement. The front end crumpled. He lay alone, in shock, the street holding him still.' The sole contributing factor cited by police is 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was the only person involved and was listed as being in shock with severe bleeding. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of unsafe speed, as documented by responding officers.
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.
-
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
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
28
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Feb 28 - 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
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.'
-
Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-27
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
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
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.
-
FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
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.
- FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26
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.
-
Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-02-14
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
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
13Int 1195-2025
Ung co-sponsors study on tactile paving, neutral overall safety impact.▸Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
-
File Int 1195-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
Feb 13 - Council pushes for a study and five-year plan to install tactile paving on city sidewalks. The bill targets safer streets for blind and low-vision New Yorkers. Sponsors demand action, not delay.
Bill Int 1195-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 13, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and plan regarding the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks,” calls for a one-year study and a five-year plan to install tactile paving. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Sandra Ung, and Chris Banks back the measure. The plan will identify high-priority blocks, consult disability advocates, and set standards for design and maintenance. Annual progress reports must go to the Mayor and Council Speaker and be posted online.
- File Int 1195-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13
13Int 1160-2025
Ung 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.
-
File Int 1160-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-02-13
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