Crash Count for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,907
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 1,559
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 260
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 13
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 11
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025
Carnage in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Killed 11
+1
Amputation 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Severe Bleeding 7
Head 4
Face 2
Lower leg/foot 1
Severe Lacerations 2
Lower leg/foot 1
Whole body 1
Concussion 3
Head 2
Chest 1
Whiplash 70
Neck 38
+33
Back 15
+10
Head 10
+5
Whole body 10
+5
Shoulder/upper arm 4
Chest 1
Face 1
Contusion/Bruise 33
Shoulder/upper arm 8
+3
Head 5
Lower leg/foot 5
Hip/upper leg 4
Back 3
Chest 3
Lower arm/hand 3
Neck 2
Whole body 2
Eye 1
Face 1
Abrasion 23
Lower leg/foot 6
+1
Head 4
Lower arm/hand 3
Shoulder/upper arm 3
Face 2
Neck 2
Whole body 2
Back 1
Pain/Nausea 10
Lower leg/foot 3
Neck 3
Back 2
Head 2
Shoulder/upper arm 2
Whole body 1
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park?

Park road, body, blind spot

Park road, body, blind spot

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Jan 1, 2022 - Sep 10, 2025

Just after midday on Aug 23, on United Nations Ave S in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, a driver in a Ford sedan going straight hit a person in the roadway. Police recorded driver inattention. The pedestrian died (NYC Open Data).

They were one of 4 pedestrians killed in this area since 2022 (NYC Open Data).

This Week

  • Aug 25: a left-turning sedan hit a parked car nearby. No injuries recorded (NYC Open Data).

The pattern on park roads and expressways

Two deaths have been recorded along United Nations Ave S itself since 2022 (NYC Open Data). Van Wyck Expressway and Grand Central Parkway also rank among the worst locations for injuries and deaths in this area (NYC Open Data).

In the last 12 months, crashes here reached 512, with 3 people killed and 422 injured (NYC Open Data). Year to date, crashes are up 23.5% over last year’s pace (NYC Open Data).

Police reports cite driver inattention and distraction, failure to yield, alcohol involvement, and improper turns in local crashes (NYC Open Data). Pedestrian deaths recorded here involved drivers in sedans and SUVs (NYC Open Data).

When the light fades, the risk rises

Late afternoon is a danger hour. The 4 PM hour shows 2 deaths in this area since 2022 (NYC Open Data). Night brings more injuries, too, pointing to visibility and speed on wide roads through the park and along the expressways (NYC Open Data).

On Aug 23, police logged driver inattention in the fatal park-road crash (NYC Open Data). The record repeats itself across the map.

Fix the streets that keep killing

Start where people are dying: United Nations Ave S, and the park feeders to Van Wyck and Grand Central. Install daylighting at crossings, hardened left turns, and raised crosswalks on park roads. Add speed-calming near trailheads and parking entrances. Target late-day and night with focused enforcement on failure to yield and speeding. These tools fit the pattern in the data (NYC Open Data).

Then cut speed citywide and stop the worst repeat offenders.

  • The state’s Stop Super Speeders Act, S4045, would require speed limiters for drivers who rack up repeat violations. State Sen. John Liu co-sponsored it and voted yes in committee in June 2025 (Open States).
  • Your Assembly Member is Sam Berger. Your Council Member is James F. Gennaro. The tools exist; the road toll is public.

A person died in the park on a clear afternoon. We know where the bodies fall. We know what slows cars. Act now: take one step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on Aug 23, 2025?
A driver in a Ford sedan going straight hit a pedestrian on United Nations Ave S inside Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Police recorded driver inattention. The pedestrian died. Source: NYC Open Data crash record (Collision ID 4836979).
How many pedestrians have been killed here since 2022?
Four pedestrians have been killed within the Flushing Meadows–Corona Park area since 2022, based on NYC Open Data records aggregated for this neighborhood.
Where are the worst danger spots?
United Nations Ave S has two recorded deaths since 2022. Van Wyck Expressway and Grand Central Parkway also rank among the top locations for severe crashes in this area. Source: NYC Open Data.
Are crashes getting better or worse this year?
Worse. In the last 12 months there were 512 crashes with 3 deaths and 422 injuries. Year to date, crashes are up 23.5% over last year’s pace. Source: NYC Open Data rollups for this area.
How were these numbers calculated?
We used NYC Open Data’s Motor Vehicle Collisions datasets (Crashes: h9gi-nx95; Persons: f55k-p6yu; Vehicles: bm4k-52h4). Filters: dates from 2022-01-01 to 2025-09-10, geography limited to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park (NTA QN8191) via spatial join, and mode-specific fields (e.g., person_type = ‘Pedestrian’). Key figures (deaths, injuries, crash counts) come from those filtered records. Data as of Sep 9, 2025. You can view the base crash dataset here.
Who represents this area, and what can they do now?
Your State Senator is John Liu, who co-sponsored and voted yes on S4045 to require speed limiters for repeat offenders. Your Assembly Member is Sam Berger. Your Council Member is James F. Gennaro. Albany can pass S4045; the city can lower speeds and harden dangerous turns in the park now.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations
  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – Crashes - Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-10
  • File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-11

Other Representatives

Assembly Member Sam Berger

District 27

Twitter: @SamBergerNY

Council Member James F. Gennaro

District 24

State Senator John Liu

District 16

Other Geographies

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Flushing Meadows-Corona Park sits in Queens, Precinct 110, District 24, AD 27, SD 16, Queens CB81.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

19
Fire Truck Kills Cyclist Near Queens Park

Apr 19 - A fire truck turned onto Juniper Blvd North. It struck a cyclist. The crash happened by the park. The man died at the scene. No arrests. The investigation continues. The street stayed quiet. The loss is final.

According to NY Daily News (April 19, 2025), an FDNY fire truck collided with a cyclist near 80th St. and Juniper Blvd North in Middle Village, Queens. The article states, "An FDNY fire truck fatally struck a cyclist Saturday afternoon in Queens, police said." The cyclist, an unidentified man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not made any arrests. It remains unclear if the fire truck was responding to an emergency call. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the incident. The crash highlights risks at intersections and the dangers faced by cyclists near large vehicles, especially in busy city corridors.


16
SUV Crash on Grand Central Parkway Injures Driver

Apr 16 - SUV slammed center back end on Grand Central Parkway. Driver suffered head injury. No pedestrians or cyclists involved. Police report lists no driver errors.

A crash occurred on Grand Central Parkway at Exit 9 in Queens. An SUV struck its center back end. According to the police report, the driver, a 55-year-old man, was injured with head trauma and whiplash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The driver was wearing a lap belt. No other injuries were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807616 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
11
Sedans Collide on Grand Central Parkway; Three Hurt

Apr 11 - Two sedans crashed on Grand Central Parkway. Three passengers suffered injuries. Police cite following too closely as the cause. Metal and bodies took the hit. The road stayed ruthless.

Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway near Roosevelt Avenue. Three passengers, ages 18, 24, and 26, were injured, suffering bruises and other trauma. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Following Too Closely.' Both vehicles were traveling straight when the impact occurred. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The drivers were licensed and remained at the scene. The toll fell on those inside, as metal met metal and bodies bore the force.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805526 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
10
Sedan Fails to Yield, Driver Injured on Parkway

Apr 10 - A sedan merges on Grand Central Parkway. Metal crunches. A sixty-one-year-old woman grips her neck, stunned. The night holds its breath. Failure to yield leaves pain and silence.

A sedan struck while merging eastbound on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. A sixty-one-year-old woman, driving the sedan, suffered neck pain and shock. According to the police report, 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' was listed as a contributing factor, along with 'Following Too Closely.' The crash left the car’s front bumper crushed. The driver wore a seatbelt. No other injuries were reported. The data points to driver errors—failure to yield and following too closely—as the causes of the crash.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804959 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
10
Int 1105-2024 Gennaro votes yes, boosting street safety transparency and project accountability.

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.


10
Int 1105-2024 Moya votes yes, boosting street safety transparency and project accountability.

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.


8
Unlicensed Moped Rider Ejected on Van Wyck

Apr 8 - Moped slammed, rider thrown, face scraped. Unlicensed driver. Police cite unspecified factors. Danger rides the Van Wyck.

A 29-year-old man riding a moped north on Van Wyck Expressway was ejected and injured, suffering facial abrasions. According to the police report, the moped's driver was unlicensed. The crash involved a center back-end impact to the moped and a center front-end impact to another, unspecified vehicle. Police listed 'Unspecified' as contributing factors. The injured rider was conscious and wore a helmet. No other injuries were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804402 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
5
Motorcyclist Killed In Queens Collision Blaze

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.


4
Car Jumps Curb, Injures Nine In Queens

Apr 4 - A car mounted the sidewalk at Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. Metal twisted. Glass shattered. Nine people hurt—pedestrians, bus riders, car passengers. The bus stop became a scene of chaos. Sirens wailed. All survived. The street held the scars.

According to ABC7 (published April 4, 2025), a crash at Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard in Queens left at least nine people injured. Police said a 79-year-old woman, turning left, 'allegedly veered onto the sidewalk' to avoid a stopped Q10 bus, striking both the bus and its shelter. Four people waiting at the bus stop were hurt, as well as two bus passengers and three people inside the car. The article notes, 'Police stated that none of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries.' All were taken to Jamaica Hospital in stable condition. The incident highlights the danger when vehicles enter pedestrian space and the risks at crowded bus stops. The investigation continues.


31
Two-Vehicle Collision on Van Wyck Expressway

Mar 31 - A box truck and SUV collided on Van Wyck Expressway late at night. Both male drivers suffered injuries and shock. Slippery pavement contributed to the crash. Impact points included the truck’s left front bumper and the SUV’s left rear bumper.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:27 on Van Wyck Expressway involving a box truck and a station wagon/SUV, both traveling north. The box truck struck the SUV on the SUV’s left rear bumper with its left front bumper. Both drivers, males aged 35 and 26, were injured and experienced shock, reporting complaints of pain or nausea. The report cites slippery pavement as a contributing factor for both drivers. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight ahead prior to impact. Vehicle damage was noted on the truck’s right front bumper and the SUV’s left rear bumper. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement was reported. The collision highlights the dangers posed by adverse road conditions and vehicle interactions on high-speed roadways.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802712 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
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.


21
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Grand Central Parkway

Mar 21 - SUV slammed into sedan’s rear on Grand Central Parkway. Both drivers hurt. Head wounds. Whiplash. Abrasions. No pedestrians. No cyclists. Metal and flesh took the blow.

According to the police report, a 2016 Toyota SUV struck the back of a 2016 Honda sedan on Grand Central Parkway at 1:28 a.m. Both vehicles traveled eastbound. The SUV hit the sedan’s center back end. The sedan driver, age 30, suffered head injuries and abrasions. The SUV driver, age 46, sustained head injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists no explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Contributing factors for the sedan driver are marked as unspecified. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800242 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
13
Two Sedans Collide on Meadow Lake Drive

Mar 13 - Two sedans crashed head-on on Meadow Lake Drive. The 58-year-old male driver suffered injuries and incoherence. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as causes. Both vehicles sustained front quarter panel damage in the afternoon collision.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Meadow Lake Drive around 3 p.m. The 58-year-old male driver of one vehicle was injured and became incoherent after the crash. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the collision. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead when the crash occurred. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of one sedan and the right front quarter panel of the other, indicating a significant front-side collision. The injured driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing solely on driver errors and vehicle damage.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798524 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
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.


10
Sedan Rear-Ends Driver on Van Wyck Expressway

Mar 10 - A 44-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after his vehicle was struck from behind on the Van Wyck Expressway. The crash occurred at 8 p.m. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male driver was injured in a rear-end collision on the Van Wyck Expressway at 8 p.m. The driver, who was restrained by a lap belt and harness, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash. The collision involved a 2025 Lincoln sedan traveling north, which impacted the center back end of the driver's vehicle. The report does not list any contributing factors such as failure to yield or driver error, nor does it indicate any victim behaviors contributing to the crash. The driver was not ejected and remained conscious throughout the incident.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798912 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
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.


1
Sedan Passenger Suffers Severe Head Injury

Mar 1 - A sedan changed lanes on the Long Island Expressway. The driver reacted to another vehicle. A rear passenger was knocked unconscious, suffering a head injury and bruises. The right front bumper took the hit.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 4:25 AM on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. A 2015 BMW sedan, traveling east, changed lanes when the driver reacted to an uninvolved vehicle. The impact left a 27-year-old male passenger in the middle rear seat unconscious with a head injury and contusions. The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the contributing factor. The sedan’s right front bumper was damaged. No other contributing factors related to the passenger’s actions were noted. The injury was classified as serious.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796004 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
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.'


15
Two Sedans Collide on Grand Central Parkway Exit

Feb 15 - Two sedans collided on the Grand Central Parkway Exit 9 eastbound at 9:53 a.m. A six-year-old passenger suffered a neck contusion. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause, with impact on the right front quarter panel and center front end.

According to the police report, at 9:53 a.m., two sedans collided on the Grand Central Parkway Exit 9 eastbound. One vehicle, a 2020 BMW sedan traveling west, was struck on the right front quarter panel, damaging its right side doors. The other, a 2024 Nissan sedan, was making a left turn and impacted with its center front end. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor to the collision. A six-year-old male occupant in the BMW, seated in the right rear passenger position and secured with a lap belt and harness, sustained a neck contusion and was conscious after the crash. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The collision highlights driver error in yielding, leading to injuries among vehicle occupants.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
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.