No One Is Safe Until the Streets Are Safe

Jun 4 - SUV and sedan slammed together on Bay 32 Street. Aggressive driving and speed tore through the night. A pedestrian and a passenger left bruised. The street bore the scars.

A crash on Bay 32 Street at Dwight Avenue in Queens involved a Jeep SUV and a Ford sedan. According to the police report, both vehicles were driven aggressively and at unsafe speeds. The SUV driver was unlicensed. The impact injured a 41-year-old pedestrian, who suffered arm bruises and shock, and a 45-year-old front passenger, who sustained shoulder injuries. Aggressive driving and road rage, along with unsafe speed, were listed as contributing factors. The report does not mention any errors by those injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818362 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 15 - A bus hit a cyclist and a pedestrian in Queens. Both men, age 54, suffered leg injuries. The bus was turning right. No driver errors listed. Impact was sudden. The street stayed dangerous.

A bus struck a cyclist and a pedestrian on Beach Channel Drive near Dix Avenue in Queens. Both the cyclist and pedestrian, men aged 54, sustained injuries to their lower legs. According to the police report, the bus was making a right turn when the crash occurred. The cyclist was going straight, and the pedestrian was walking along the highway against traffic. No specific driver errors were listed in the report. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814703 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 1 - A man crossed Linden Boulevard. A black car hit him and fled. Another car ran over him. He died in the hospital. The first driver vanished. The second stayed. Police search. The street stayed open. Blood on the asphalt.

Patch reported on May 1, 2025, that Christopher Gayton, 62, was killed at Linden Boulevard and 166 Street in Queens. He was struck by an eastbound black vehicle whose driver fled, then run over by a 2024 Ford Edge. The Ford's driver remained at the scene. Police said, 'Police are still searching for the first driver who fled the scene.' No charges have been filed. The NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The crash highlights the dangers of multi-lane arterial roads and the ongoing risks for pedestrians in Queens. No arrests have been made.

• Pedestrian Killed In Queens Double Collision, Patch, Published 2025-05-01

Apr 30 - A nine-year-old boy crossing Oak Drive was hit by an SUV. He suffered a bruised leg. The driver was licensed. Police list contributing factors as unspecified.

A nine-year-old pedestrian was struck by a northbound SUV while crossing Oak Drive near Reads Lane in Queens. According to the police report, the child suffered a contusion to his knee and lower leg. The driver, a 46-year-old woman, was licensed and uninjured. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are noted in the data. No mention of helmet use or pedestrian signals appears in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 29 - Two sedans collided at Seagirt Boulevard and Beach 9 Street. One driver suffered a bruised arm. Police cite improper turning and failure to yield. Metal and glass. Sirens in the dusk.

Two sedans crashed at Seagirt Boulevard and Beach 9 Street in Queens. According to the police report, one driver, a 36-year-old man, was injured with a shoulder contusion. Both vehicles were making conflicting movements: one turning left, the other going straight. Police list 'Turning Improperly' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash left one driver hurt and others shaken.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809428 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 27 - A soul singer crossed Woodhaven at Myrtle. A Yamaha motorcycle struck her. She died at Jamaica Hospital. The rider kept going as the light changed. Police have not charged him. Dreams ended in the street. The city moves on.

NY Daily News reported on April 27, 2025, that Breanna Henderson, 23, was fatally struck by a Yamaha motorcycle while crossing Woodhaven Blvd. at Myrtle Ave. in Queens. The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. as the traffic light turned from yellow to red. The article notes, 'the motorcyclist hit her as the light turned from yellow to red.' Police have not charged the 34-year-old rider, and the investigation continues. Henderson was returning home from a performance. The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by pedestrians at major intersections and the risks posed by vehicles failing to yield during signal changes.

• Singer Killed Crossing Woodhaven Boulevard, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-27

Apr 25 - A BMW driver rammed a motorcyclist on Woodhaven Boulevard. The bike burst into flames. The rider died at the scene. Helmet cam footage captured the deadly chase. The driver faces murder charges. Streets became a killing ground.

NY Daily News reported on April 25, 2025, that Jorden Rosen, 42, was charged with murder after striking and killing William McField, 55, in Queens. The incident began with a minor collision and escalated as both vehicles ran a red light. Helmet cam footage showed Rosen rear-ending the motorcycle, causing it to catch fire and kill McField instantly. Queens DA Melinda Katz stated, "As alleged, this defendant plowed his BMW SUV into a motorcyclist shortly after the two had a minor collision." The BMW also struck another car before stopping. Rosen had prior traffic summonses for speeding and driving the wrong way. The case highlights the lethal risk of aggressive driving and the deadly power imbalance between cars and vulnerable road users.

• BMW Driver Kills Motorcyclist In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-25

Apr 24 - A sedan slammed into another stopped car on Rockaway Freeway. One driver suffered head injuries and shock. Police cite following too closely. The street saw metal, glass, and pain.

Two sedans collided on Rockaway Freeway near Beach 44th Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sedan struck another that was stopped in traffic. The 61-year-old woman driving the front car suffered a head injury and shock. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and wore seat belts. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left one driver hurt and exposed the danger of tailgating on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 23 - A flatbed truck backed into an SUV on Alonzo Road. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe backing. Streets remain unforgiving for those inside the steel.

A flatbed truck and an SUV collided on Alonzo Road in Queens. The SUV driver, a 24-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely.' The flatbed was backing up when it struck the SUV. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. Unsafe backing remains a persistent danger on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808052 - 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 13 - A sedan making a U-turn struck a pedestrian at Beach Channel Drive and Beach 43rd Street. Alcohol was involved. The pedestrian suffered a fractured leg. The driver was also hurt. Danger stalks the intersection.

A sedan making a U-turn on Beach Channel Drive at Beach 43rd Street struck a pedestrian. According to the police report, alcohol involvement was a contributing factor. The pedestrian, a 42-year-old man, suffered a fractured leg and was semiconscious at the scene. The driver, a 44-year-old man, also sustained a leg injury. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a key factor in the crash. No other contributing factors were specified. No blame is placed on the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805804 - 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 1 - Two men slammed head-on in Queens. Both drivers hurt. Chest and back injuries. Metal twisted. Streets silent after impact.

Two vehicles collided head-on at 10-23 Gipson Street in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan and a pickup truck struck each other front-to-front. Both drivers, men aged 36 and 65, suffered injuries—one to the chest, one to the back. Both were conscious after the crash. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left both vehicles damaged at the center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803193 - 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 27 - Two SUVs collided on Beach Channel Drive. Both drivers were distracted. A 24-year-old front passenger suffered back bruises. The crash tore into the center ends of both vehicles. Distraction behind the wheel left a mark.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs crashed on Beach Channel Drive in Queens at 13:10. Both drivers were cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The first SUV, heading west, struck the stopped second SUV from behind. A 24-year-old woman riding in the front passenger seat of the second vehicle was injured, suffering back contusions and bruises. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists no contributing factors for the passenger. Damage hit the center front and back ends of the vehicles. The crash was caused by driver distraction, as detailed in the police report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801711 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 13 - A 46-year-old woman suffered serious leg injuries after a sedan struck her while she emerged from in front of a parked vehicle. The driver’s improper lane usage and distraction caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian in shock with internal complaints.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2017 Jeep sedan struck her at 7:05 AM in Queens near 15-19 Central Ave. The pedestrian was emerging from in front of a parked vehicle when the collision occurred. The report cites the driver’s contributing factors as 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The sedan’s point of impact was the center front end, with damage to the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3, and was reported to be in shock with internal complaints. The driver was licensed and slowing or stopping before impact. The crash highlights driver errors in lane usage and distraction as the primary causes of the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798353 - 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 10 - Three drivers suffered neck and back injuries in a Queens collision involving multiple sedans and SUVs. Unsafe speed and traffic control disregard by one driver led to a violent impact on Beach Channel Drive, leaving all conscious but injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Beach Channel Drive in Queens at 13:32. The collision involved multiple vehicles, including sedans and SUVs. Three male drivers, ages 30, 37, and 55, were injured with neck and back injuries, all conscious and not ejected from their vehicles. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors for one driver, while others had unspecified factors. The impact was centered on the front ends of the vehicles. All injured occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses, with airbags deployed in at least one vehicle. The driver errors of unsafe speed and ignoring traffic controls directly contributed to the crash and resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798085 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18