Baisley Park Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Apr 22 - A sedan hit a 12-year-old boy at 147 St and Rockaway Blvd. The child suffered a fractured arm. The car struck him head-on while turning. No driver errors listed. Danger remains for those on foot.

A 12-year-old boy was struck by a sedan at the intersection of 147 St and Rockaway Blvd in Queens. According to the police report, the sedan was making a right turn when its center front end hit the child, who was in the intersection. The boy suffered a fractured arm and dislocation. No specific driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. The driver, a 50-year-old woman, was licensed and uninjured. The crash highlights the persistent threat to pedestrians at city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809415 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 21 - Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.

• Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-21

Apr 20 - A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. The driver struck a man on a bicycle. He died at the scene. Police closed the street. Another life ended in the crosswalk’s shadow. The city investigates. The street stays dangerous.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The crash happened as the truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street. According to police, 'the truck was turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street in Middle Village when the collision occurred.' The cyclist, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating. The incident highlights the risks faced by cyclists at intersections and the dangers of large vehicles turning across paths. Policy questions remain about intersection design and vehicle operation in dense neighborhoods.

• FDNY Truck Turns, Cyclist Killed In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-20

Apr 19 - A fire truck turned onto Juniper Blvd North and struck a cyclist. The man died at the scene. No arrests. Police investigate. The street outside the park became a site of sudden, final impact.

According to NY Daily News (April 19, 2025), an FDNY fire truck fatally struck a cyclist at 80th St. and Juniper Blvd North in Middle Village, Queens. The article reports, "An FDNY fire truck was traveling north on 80th St. and was turning onto Juniper Blvd North just outside Juniper Valley Park when it collided with an unidentified man riding a bicycle." The cyclist died at the scene. Police have not made arrests. It is unclear if the truck was responding to an emergency. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the case. The crash highlights the risk at intersections where large vehicles turn across paths used by cyclists. No information on traffic signals or right-of-way was provided.

• Cyclist Killed By FDNY Truck In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-19

Apr 12 - Two sedans crashed at 120th Avenue and 145th Street. A 16-year-old driver left bruised and limping. Five others suffered unspecified wounds. Metal met metal. The street fell silent.

Two sedans collided at 120th Avenue and 145th Street in Queens. A 16-year-old boy, driving on a permit, was injured with bruises and a leg injury. Five others, including adults and a child, sustained unspecified injuries. According to the police report, both vehicles listed 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The crash left metal twisted and lives shaken. No driver error beyond 'Other Vehicular' was recorded in the report. No mention of helmet or signal use as a factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805509 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 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

Apr 6 - Two convertibles collided in Queens at midnight. Metal twisted. Children and adults hurt. Sirens cut the empty street. Alcohol played a role. Shock and pain marked the scene.

Two convertibles crashed at 147-01 115 Ave in Queens. According to the police report, the collision happened at midnight. Seven people were involved. Four children and two adults were injured, suffering shock and bodily harm. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' and 'Alcohol Involvement' as contributing factors. Both vehicles struck head-on, tearing their front ends. The street was empty except for the victims and the sound of sirens. The data shows driver error and alcohol as key causes. Helmets or signals are not mentioned as factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804360 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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

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

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

Apr 4 - A cyclist hit a parked box truck on Linden Blvd. The rider suffered a head injury. The truck was empty. No driver errors listed. The street stayed dangerous.

A 25-year-old cyclist traveling west on Linden Blvd collided with the left side doors of a parked box truck. According to the police report, the cyclist suffered a head contusion. The truck was unoccupied at the time. No specific driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the data. The police report notes both vehicles were headed west, but the truck was stationary. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, as recorded in the report, but no helmet use was cited as a contributing factor. The crash left the cyclist injured and the truck damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807374 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 3 - Sedans and e-bike collided on Linden Boulevard. E-bike rider thrown, injured. Police cite traffic control ignored, slippery pavement. System failed to protect the vulnerable. Metal met flesh. Streets stayed dangerous.

An e-bike rider, age 44, was ejected and injured after a collision with two sedans on Linden Boulevard near I-678 in Queens. According to the police report, the crash involved traffic control disregarded and pavement slippery as contributing factors. The e-bike rider suffered a contusion and was conscious at the scene. Both sedan drivers and several occupants were involved, but only the e-bike rider was reported injured. The police report states, “Traffic Control Disregarded” as a primary factor. Helmet use was noted for the e-bike rider, but only after the driver errors. The crash underscores the persistent dangers faced by those outside cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803198 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 31 - Two sedans collided on Linden Blvd in Queens. Both male occupants, including the driver and front passenger of one vehicle, suffered head injuries. The crash involved improper turning by one driver, causing significant vehicle damage and serious injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:24 on Linden Blvd in Queens. Two sedans were involved: a 2009 BMW making a left turn and a 2018 Ford traveling straight. The BMW struck the Ford's right front bumper with its left rear quarter panel. Both male occupants of the Ford, the 32-year-old driver and 24-year-old front passenger, were injured with head trauma, including concussion and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' as the primary contributing factor, identifying driver error in the BMW's maneuver. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by improper turning maneuvers in vehicle-to-vehicle crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802648 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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

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

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

Mar 21 - SUV and sedan slammed together in Queens. A 5-year-old girl in the back seat took the worst of it. She suffered full-body injuries and shock. Both drivers kept going straight. No errors listed. Streets failed her.

According to the police report, a 2008 SUV heading east and a 2013 sedan heading south collided at the intersection of 140 Street and 120 Avenue in Queens. Both vehicles struck front bumpers. A 5-year-old girl riding in the left rear seat was injured across her entire body and suffered shock. She was secured in a child restraint. No driver errors were cited in the report; contributing factors are listed as unspecified. Both drivers were licensed men. The crash left the child seriously hurt, showing the force of the impact even with proper restraints. The report does not assign fault to the child or note any victim actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 18 - A taxi traveling south on Van Wyck Expressway struck a parked sedan’s right rear bumper. The taxi driver and passenger suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited unsafe speed as the primary contributing factor in the collision.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on Van Wyck Expressway collided with a parked sedan, impacting the sedan’s right rear bumper with the taxi’s left front bumper. The taxi driver and his passenger, both 27-year-old males, sustained injuries to their knees and lower legs, described as contusions and bruises. Both occupants were wearing lap belts and were not ejected from the vehicle. The report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan was stationary at the time, and no other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The taxi driver held a valid New Jersey license, and the sedan driver was licensed in New York. The collision occurred at 11:22 p.m., emphasizing the dangers of excessive speed even on controlled roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799830 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 13 - A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

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

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

Mar 13 - A bicyclist suffered a neck injury after an SUV making a right turn struck him on Rockaway Blvd in Queens. The crash resulted from the driver’s failure to yield and inattention. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected, complaining of whiplash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Rockaway Blvd in Queens at midnight. A 30-year-old male bicyclist traveling north was struck by a 2009 Honda SUV making a right turn eastbound. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a neck injury classified as severity level 3 and complained of whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors during turning maneuvers in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798709 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 4 - A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

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

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

Mar 2 - Two SUVs slammed together on 116 Ave. Five people hurt. Bruises, abrasions, shaken nerves. Police blame failure to yield. Metal twisted. No one ejected. All conscious. Streets stay dangerous.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 13:15 on 116 Ave in Queens. Five occupants were injured: a 27-year-old male driver with head contusions, a 17-year-old male front passenger, a 40-year-old female right rear passenger, and a 12-year-old female left rear passenger—all with abrasions. A 61-year-old female driver suffered neck contusions. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary cause. All victims were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. No one was ejected. The crash left damage to the front end and right side doors. Driver error—failure to yield—was the only contributing factor listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 1 - A left-turning BMW sedan struck a westbound carry-all on Linden Blvd in Queens. The BMW driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes, exposing critical risks in urban traffic flow.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on Linden Blvd in Queens involving two vehicles: a northbound BMW sedan making a left turn and a westbound carry-all traveling straight. The BMW driver, a 57-year-old male occupant, sustained head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the BMW and the left front bumper of the carry-all. The BMW driver’s failure to yield while executing the left turn directly caused the crash, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and right-of-way violations in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797106 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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

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

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