Auburndale Bleeds While City Waits

SUV hit hard on 39th Avenue in Queens. One driver hurt, back bruised. Another occupant listed, injury unclear. Police report lists no clear cause.

A station wagon SUV traveling east on 39th Avenue at 204th Street in Queens struck with its center front end. According to the police report, a 54-year-old female driver suffered a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. Another occupant, a 55-year-old man, was also involved but his injuries were unspecified. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. Both individuals were inside the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806561 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A former firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. He struck Justin Diaz’s car at 83 mph. Diaz died a block from home. The driver was drunk, high, and unregistered. The court revoked his bail. Diaz’s family mourns.

ABC7 reported on April 17, 2025, that ex-FDNY firefighter Michael Peña faces manslaughter and DWI charges after a deadly crash in Queens. Prosecutors allege Peña was drunk, high, and speeding at 83 mph—three times the limit—when he ran a red light and T-boned 23-year-old Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance and body camera footage show Peña admitting to running the light. Five hours after the crash, tests confirmed intoxication by alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Peña’s record includes prior arrests and 25 school zone speeding tickets. He also drove an unregistered vehicle with an obstructed plate and tinted windshield. The victim, Diaz, was headed to work and had just graduated college. The case highlights repeated driver violations and systemic failures in enforcement.

• Ex-Firefighter Charged In Queens Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-17

Two sedans collided on Utopia Parkway. One driver, age 20, suffered arm injuries. Police cite failure to yield. The crash left bruises and questions in Queens.

A crash involving two sedans occurred at Utopia Parkway and 56 Ave in Queens. One 20-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining a contusion to his arm. According to the police report, both vehicles were cited for 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The crash happened as one sedan made a left turn and the other traveled straight. The report lists no other contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The injured driver was conscious at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805066 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A driver lost control near a Queens school. The car struck two children and a man. A seven-year-old girl’s leg snapped. Sirens wailed. Police arrested the driver. The sidewalk bore the scars. The city’s danger was plain.

According to the New York Post (April 4, 2025), an unlicensed driver reversed into a box truck, then spun onto the sidewalk outside Our World Neighborhood Charter School in Astoria, Queens. The crash injured three: a 7-year-old girl with a broken femur and head injury, a 14-year-old girl with leg injuries, and a 58-year-old man with bruises. The article states, 'Bah was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving and driving without a license.' This incident follows another recent crash involving a suspended license, highlighting recurring risks from unlicensed drivers. The crash underscores the persistent threat cars pose to people on city sidewalks, especially near schools.

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

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

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

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

Box truck slammed into sedan’s rear on Clearview Expressway. One woman hurt. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, pain. System failed to protect.

A box truck struck the rear of a sedan on Clearview Expressway in Queens. One woman, driving the sedan, suffered a back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Following Too Closely.' The impact left the sedan’s left rear bumper and the truck’s left front bumper damaged. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803262 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 65-year-old man suffered back injuries and shock after a sedan struck him while crossing Utopia Parkway. The driver, making a left turn, failed to pay attention. Impact occurred at the vehicle’s right front bumper near an intersection.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male pedestrian was injured crossing Utopia Parkway at an intersection when a 2018 sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, struck him with the vehicle’s right front bumper. The driver was making a left turn traveling southeast when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to notice the pedestrian. The pedestrian was located at the intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk indication. The victim suffered back injuries and was in shock. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing factors related to the pedestrian. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A box truck driver broke his leg and foot in a violent truck pileup on Clearview Expressway. Police blamed unsafe speed. Metal twisted. The driver stayed conscious, trapped by the impact.

According to the police report, several trucks collided on Clearview Expressway at 10:35 a.m. The crash left a 62-year-old box truck driver with serious fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unsafe speed as the main contributing factor. The box truck struck with its left front quarter panel, hitting other trucks, including a dump truck and two tractor trucks. The injured driver was not ejected and remained conscious. Police cited unsafe speed as the primary driver error. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800193 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 56-year-old man working in the roadway was struck by a van backing up in Queens. The impact caused injuries to his entire body and left him in shock. Driver inattention and unsafe backing led to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:45 AM in Queens near 48-45 189 Street. A van traveling north was backing up when it struck a 56-year-old male pedestrian who was working in the roadway outside an intersection. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his entire body and was reported to be in shock. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely' as contributing factors to the collision. The van’s point of impact was the center back end, confirming the pedestrian was hit during the vehicle’s reversing maneuver. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident highlights the dangers posed by inattentive drivers performing unsafe backing maneuvers in active roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798900 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.

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

A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

A distracted driver slammed a sedan into parked cars on Francis Lewis Blvd. The sedan flipped. Four people inside were hurt. Blood, shock, broken rhythm. Night in Queens, metal twisted, lives changed.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Francis Lewis Blvd in Queens struck parked vehicles and overturned at 9:00 PM. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the cause. Four occupants in the sedan, including a 70-year-old man and three others aged 33 to 71, suffered injuries to their entire bodies. Some bled, all were in shock. All wore lap belts and harnesses. No contributing factors were attributed to the victims. The crash shows the brutal cost of driver distraction: a violent collision, an overturned car, and four injured people on a busy Queens street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795540 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Mercedes ran a red on Northern Boulevard. It hit a BMW. The BMW’s roof tore off. The driver, Justin Diaz, died. The Mercedes driver, off-duty FDNY, was arrested. Friends mourned by candles. The street stayed empty. Speed ruled the night.

ABC7 reported on February 26, 2025, that a fatal crash in East Elmhurst left one driver dead and another in custody. The article states, "It appears the driver of the Mercedes blew a red light and t-boned the BMW at a high rate of speed." The BMW’s driver, Justin Diaz, was killed. The Mercedes driver, an off-duty firefighter, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breathalyzer. The FDNY suspended him without pay. Witnesses noted frequent speeding on the boulevard at night. The crash highlights the persistent risks of high-speed driving and lax overnight enforcement on city streets.

• Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker, ABC7, Published 2025-02-26

A 22-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a left turn. The driver’s inattention and failure to yield caused the collision at a Queens intersection, leaving the pedestrian conscious with abrasions.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Utopia Parkway in Queens struck a 22-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection while she was crossing with the signal. The driver was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as abrasions, and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle showed no damage despite striking the pedestrian with its center front end. The driver was licensed and operating a 2007 Lexus sedan. This crash highlights driver errors in yielding and attentiveness as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794706 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04