Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Precinct 103?
Precinct 103: Blood on Their Hands, Silence in City Hall
Precinct 103: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 18, 2025
The Deaths Keep Coming
In Precinct 103, the street does not forgive. Nine people have died since 2022. Seventeen more were left with injuries so grave they will not forget them. More than 2,400 have been hurt—bodies broken, lives changed. These are not just numbers. They are mothers, sons, neighbors. They are the man struck crossing Hillside Avenue, the teenager thrown from a moped, the woman crushed by a turning truck. The street remembers every one.
Just this spring, a 19-year-old on a moped was killed at 90th Avenue and 188th Street. He was ejected, crushed, and died at the scene. In January, a 63-year-old man died behind the wheel on 143rd Street. Last year, a pedestrian was killed by an SUV on Hillside Avenue. The list goes on. The pain does not end.
The Machines That Kill
Cars and SUVs did the most harm. They killed, maimed, and scarred. Out of all pedestrian injuries, sedans and SUVs were responsible for the largest share—at least 491 incidents, including one death and five serious injuries. Trucks and buses followed, with 43 injuries and two serious cases. Motorcycles, mopeds, and bikes left their own trail: nine injuries, one serious, no deaths. The street is a battlefield, and the machines are winning.
Leadership: Promises and Silence
The city has tools. The police have power. They can enforce speed limits, ticket reckless drivers, and target the corners where blood is spilled most often. But the carnage continues. “I was all the way in the back and all of a sudden the bus hit the curb…I went this way and that way and banged into the side of the bus” said a passenger after a crash in Flushing. The MTA pulled the driver from service. The investigation drags on. “The accident remains under investigation,” said authorities. The street waits for answers.
Local leaders have the power to act. They can demand more enforcement, safer street design, and real accountability. They can push for lower speed limits, more cameras, and action against repeat offenders. Or they can do nothing, and the toll will rise.
Call to Action: Make Them Hear You
This is not fate. This is policy. Every crash is a choice made by someone in power. Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand enforcement. Demand safer streets. Demand that Precinct 103 stops being a graveyard. Do not wait for another name on the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
▸ Where does Precinct 103 sit politically?
▸ Which areas are in Precinct 103?
▸ What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in Precinct 103?
▸ What can police do to protect vulnerable road users here?
▸ Are crashes preventable or just 'accidents'?
▸ What can local politicians do?
▸ What is CrashCount?
Citations
▸ Citations
- Bus Jumps Curb, Eight Injured In Flushing, ABC7, Published 2025-07-11
- MTA Bus Slams Curb, Injures Seven, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-11
- MTA Bus Slams Curb, Injures Seven, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-11
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652465 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-18
- E-Bike Rider Killed In Police Chase, New York Post, Published 2025-07-13
- Eight Injured As MTA Bus Hits Pole, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-11
- Chain-Reaction Crash Kills Two On Belt Parkway, amny, Published 2025-07-10
Other Representatives
District 29
232-06A Merrick Blvd., Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
Room 717, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
District 24
185-10 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
718-217-4969
250 Broadway, Suite 1833, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6956
District 10
142-01 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park, NY 11436
Room 711, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
▸ Other Geographies
Precinct 103 Police Precinct 103 sits in Queens, District 24, AD 29, SD 10.
It contains Queens CB12, Jamaica, South Jamaica, Hollis.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Police Precinct 103
Two Sedans Collide on Queens Avenue▸Two sedans collided on 106 Avenue in Queens at 4:50 a.m. The driver of one vehicle suffered serious injuries, including full-body trauma and semiconsciousness. Police cited unsafe speed and traffic control disregard as contributing factors in the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:50 a.m. on 106 Avenue in Queens. Two sedans, one traveling east and the other north, collided with impact on the right side doors of the eastbound vehicle and the left front bumper of the northbound vehicle. The 64-year-old male driver of the eastbound sedan was injured with full-body trauma and was semiconscious at the scene. He was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors attributed to the driver. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles straight ahead before the collision. The crash caused significant damage to the right rear quarter panel of the eastbound sedan and the center front end of the northbound sedan. No victim actions were cited as contributing factors.
Pedestrian Struck Crossing Signalized Queens Intersection▸A 24-year-old woman crossing with the signal on 162 Street at Hillside Avenue was hit and injured. She suffered bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She stayed conscious. No driver errors listed.
According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal at 162 Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens at 8:40 AM. She sustained contusions to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle type is unspecified, and the report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. No actions by the pedestrian contributed to the crash. The incident highlights the persistent risk to pedestrians, even when crossing lawfully at signalized intersections.
Two Sedans Collide on Queens 173 St▸Two sedans crashed at 6 a.m. on Queens 173 St. The male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe lane changing as causes. Both vehicles struck each other’s left front bumpers, causing damage and injury.
At 6:00 a.m. on Queens 173 St near 105 Ave, two sedans collided, according to the police report. The male driver, age 65, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. Police identified 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. One vehicle, a 2013 Chevrolet sedan driven by a female, was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The other, a 2005 Lexus sedan driven by the injured male, was traveling straight north. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers and quarter panels. The report highlights driver errors as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.
Pedestrian Injured Crossing With Signal Queens▸A 39-year-old woman suffered bruises and arm injuries while crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The crash involved a vehicle but no driver errors or contributing factors were reported. The pedestrian remained conscious after impact.
According to the police report, a 39-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 179 St and 90 Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the pedestrian signal when struck by a vehicle, a VOLK car registered in Massachusetts. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was conscious after the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No information about the driver’s actions or vehicle movement before the crash was provided. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when following crossing signals.
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash▸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.
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Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
SUV Driver Collides With Parked SUV in Queens▸A 60-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck a parked SUV on 104 Avenue in Queens. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. Illness contributed to the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 on 104 Avenue in Queens. A 60-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling westbound, collided with a parked 2019 Alfa SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a medical condition impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. The driver was licensed in New York. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden driver incapacitation on city streets.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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.
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Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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.
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Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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.
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Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens,
New York Post,
Published 2025-02-27
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
Two sedans collided on 106 Avenue in Queens at 4:50 a.m. The driver of one vehicle suffered serious injuries, including full-body trauma and semiconsciousness. Police cited unsafe speed and traffic control disregard as contributing factors in the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:50 a.m. on 106 Avenue in Queens. Two sedans, one traveling east and the other north, collided with impact on the right side doors of the eastbound vehicle and the left front bumper of the northbound vehicle. The 64-year-old male driver of the eastbound sedan was injured with full-body trauma and was semiconscious at the scene. He was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors attributed to the driver. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles straight ahead before the collision. The crash caused significant damage to the right rear quarter panel of the eastbound sedan and the center front end of the northbound sedan. No victim actions were cited as contributing factors.
Pedestrian Struck Crossing Signalized Queens Intersection▸A 24-year-old woman crossing with the signal on 162 Street at Hillside Avenue was hit and injured. She suffered bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She stayed conscious. No driver errors listed.
According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal at 162 Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens at 8:40 AM. She sustained contusions to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle type is unspecified, and the report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. No actions by the pedestrian contributed to the crash. The incident highlights the persistent risk to pedestrians, even when crossing lawfully at signalized intersections.
Two Sedans Collide on Queens 173 St▸Two sedans crashed at 6 a.m. on Queens 173 St. The male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe lane changing as causes. Both vehicles struck each other’s left front bumpers, causing damage and injury.
At 6:00 a.m. on Queens 173 St near 105 Ave, two sedans collided, according to the police report. The male driver, age 65, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. Police identified 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. One vehicle, a 2013 Chevrolet sedan driven by a female, was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The other, a 2005 Lexus sedan driven by the injured male, was traveling straight north. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers and quarter panels. The report highlights driver errors as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.
Pedestrian Injured Crossing With Signal Queens▸A 39-year-old woman suffered bruises and arm injuries while crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The crash involved a vehicle but no driver errors or contributing factors were reported. The pedestrian remained conscious after impact.
According to the police report, a 39-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 179 St and 90 Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the pedestrian signal when struck by a vehicle, a VOLK car registered in Massachusetts. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was conscious after the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No information about the driver’s actions or vehicle movement before the crash was provided. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when following crossing signals.
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash▸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.
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Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
SUV Driver Collides With Parked SUV in Queens▸A 60-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck a parked SUV on 104 Avenue in Queens. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. Illness contributed to the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 on 104 Avenue in Queens. A 60-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling westbound, collided with a parked 2019 Alfa SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a medical condition impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. The driver was licensed in New York. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden driver incapacitation on city streets.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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.
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Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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.
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Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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.
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Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens,
New York Post,
Published 2025-02-27
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A 24-year-old woman crossing with the signal on 162 Street at Hillside Avenue was hit and injured. She suffered bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She stayed conscious. No driver errors listed.
According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal at 162 Street and Hillside Avenue in Queens at 8:40 AM. She sustained contusions to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle type is unspecified, and the report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. No actions by the pedestrian contributed to the crash. The incident highlights the persistent risk to pedestrians, even when crossing lawfully at signalized intersections.
Two Sedans Collide on Queens 173 St▸Two sedans crashed at 6 a.m. on Queens 173 St. The male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe lane changing as causes. Both vehicles struck each other’s left front bumpers, causing damage and injury.
At 6:00 a.m. on Queens 173 St near 105 Ave, two sedans collided, according to the police report. The male driver, age 65, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. Police identified 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. One vehicle, a 2013 Chevrolet sedan driven by a female, was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The other, a 2005 Lexus sedan driven by the injured male, was traveling straight north. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers and quarter panels. The report highlights driver errors as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.
Pedestrian Injured Crossing With Signal Queens▸A 39-year-old woman suffered bruises and arm injuries while crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The crash involved a vehicle but no driver errors or contributing factors were reported. The pedestrian remained conscious after impact.
According to the police report, a 39-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 179 St and 90 Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the pedestrian signal when struck by a vehicle, a VOLK car registered in Massachusetts. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was conscious after the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No information about the driver’s actions or vehicle movement before the crash was provided. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when following crossing signals.
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash▸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.
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Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
SUV Driver Collides With Parked SUV in Queens▸A 60-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck a parked SUV on 104 Avenue in Queens. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. Illness contributed to the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 on 104 Avenue in Queens. A 60-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling westbound, collided with a parked 2019 Alfa SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a medical condition impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. The driver was licensed in New York. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden driver incapacitation on city streets.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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.
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Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
Two sedans crashed at 6 a.m. on Queens 173 St. The male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe lane changing as causes. Both vehicles struck each other’s left front bumpers, causing damage and injury.
At 6:00 a.m. on Queens 173 St near 105 Ave, two sedans collided, according to the police report. The male driver, age 65, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. Police identified 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. One vehicle, a 2013 Chevrolet sedan driven by a female, was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The other, a 2005 Lexus sedan driven by the injured male, was traveling straight north. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers and quarter panels. The report highlights driver errors as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.
Pedestrian Injured Crossing With Signal Queens▸A 39-year-old woman suffered bruises and arm injuries while crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The crash involved a vehicle but no driver errors or contributing factors were reported. The pedestrian remained conscious after impact.
According to the police report, a 39-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 179 St and 90 Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the pedestrian signal when struck by a vehicle, a VOLK car registered in Massachusetts. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was conscious after the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No information about the driver’s actions or vehicle movement before the crash was provided. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when following crossing signals.
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash▸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.
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Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-03-13
SUV Driver Collides With Parked SUV in Queens▸A 60-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck a parked SUV on 104 Avenue in Queens. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. Illness contributed to the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 on 104 Avenue in Queens. A 60-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling westbound, collided with a parked 2019 Alfa SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a medical condition impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. The driver was licensed in New York. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden driver incapacitation on city streets.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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.
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Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A 39-year-old woman suffered bruises and arm injuries while crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The crash involved a vehicle but no driver errors or contributing factors were reported. The pedestrian remained conscious after impact.
According to the police report, a 39-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 179 St and 90 Ave in Queens. She was crossing with the pedestrian signal when struck by a vehicle, a VOLK car registered in Massachusetts. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was conscious after the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No information about the driver’s actions or vehicle movement before the crash was provided. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when following crossing signals.
Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash▸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
SUV Driver Collides With Parked SUV in Queens▸A 60-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck a parked SUV on 104 Avenue in Queens. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. Illness contributed to the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 on 104 Avenue in Queens. A 60-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling westbound, collided with a parked 2019 Alfa SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a medical condition impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. The driver was licensed in New York. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden driver incapacitation on city streets.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
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
SUV Driver Collides With Parked SUV in Queens▸A 60-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck a parked SUV on 104 Avenue in Queens. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. Illness contributed to the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 on 104 Avenue in Queens. A 60-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling westbound, collided with a parked 2019 Alfa SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a medical condition impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. The driver was licensed in New York. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden driver incapacitation on city streets.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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.
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Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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.
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Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A 60-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck a parked SUV on 104 Avenue in Queens. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked SUV. Illness contributed to the crash.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 on 104 Avenue in Queens. A 60-year-old male driver, operating a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling westbound, collided with a parked 2019 Alfa SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a medical condition impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. The driver was licensed in New York. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden driver incapacitation on city streets.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A 61-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way and struck the pedestrian. The victim suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 143 Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 61-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of harm to a lawful pedestrian.
Distracted Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Signal▸A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A sedan traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The impact caused abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The driver’s inattention was cited as the primary factor in the collision.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Jamaica Avenue in Queens struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while proceeding straight ahead created the conditions for this injury-causing crash.
SUV Strikes 16-Year-Old Bicyclist in Queens▸A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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.
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Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-03-04
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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.
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Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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.
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Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens,
New York Post,
Published 2025-02-27
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered a head contusion after an SUV struck him on 105 Ave in Queens. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its front end and the SUV’s right side doors. The teen was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on 105 Ave in Queens at 13:20. A licensed male driver in an SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north, also going straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the collision’s nature indicates a failure to avoid impact while both parties proceeded straight. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The driver’s actions resulted in significant vehicle damage and injury to the vulnerable road user.
Queens Bus Strikes Bicyclist on 177th Street▸A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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.
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Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-28
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A bus traveling east on 177th Street collided with a 23-year-old female bicyclist. The impact on the bus’s right side doors injured the cyclist’s hip and upper leg. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the bicyclist bruised but conscious.
According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling east on 177th Street in Queens when the collision occurred at 15:15. The bus struck the bicyclist on its right side doors, impacting the cyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old female, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. She was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s actions or safety equipment. The bus driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers faced by vulnerable road users in Queens.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A 44-year-old man crossing with the signal on 165th Street in Queens was struck by a sedan traveling east. The impact caused knee and lower leg injuries, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous collision.
According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 165th Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 10:40 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2025 sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end, damaging the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the driver’s failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal as the critical error leading to the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted in the report.
Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker▸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
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
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
Sedan Strikes Moped on Liberty Avenue▸A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A sedan collided with a moped on Liberty Avenue in Queens, injuring the sedan driver. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the moped’s front end, causing neck injury and shock to the sedan driver.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 16:40. A sedan traveling north struck a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 55-year-old male, suffered a neck injury and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed in New York, while the moped driver was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic danger at this intersection.
Sedan Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A 52-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 162 Street in Queens struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection with Hillside Avenue around 9:55 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian on the right side doors of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2017 Honda sedan. The incident highlights critical driver failures in yielding to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash▸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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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.
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Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens,
New York Post,
Published 2025-02-27
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
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
Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens▸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.
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Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens,
New York Post,
Published 2025-02-27
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
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
Taxi Strikes Pedestrian Crossing Liberty Ave▸A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A 31-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a taxi struck her at an intersection on Liberty Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a left turn at the time of impact, sustaining no damage.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 160th Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2024 Toyota taxi, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred during the taxi's left turn maneuver. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.
Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker▸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.
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Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker,
ABC7,
Published 2025-02-26
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
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
Distracted Driver Rear-Ends Sedan on Jamaica Ave▸A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
A U-Haul van traveling east on Jamaica Avenue struck the rear of a sedan also heading east. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the collision.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens at 7:30 pm. A U-Haul van and a sedan were both traveling east when the van struck the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s driver, a 55-year-old female occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the van driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy city streets.
Two Sedans Collide on Van Wyck Expressway▸Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.
Two sedans traveling north on Van Wyck Expressway collided head-to-rear late at night. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered a back contusion but was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause of the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway at 22:33 when a collision occurred. The rear sedan struck the center back end of the front sedan, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 28-year-old female occupant, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating a failure to maintain proper focus while driving. No other factors such as victim behavior or environmental conditions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction on high-speed roadways.