Apr 3 - Two cars struck Jorman Esparza-Olivares at a busy Rego Park crossing. He suffered head and body trauma. Medics rushed him to Elmhurst. He died six days later. Both drivers stayed. No charges. The intersection remains dangerous.

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

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

Apr 1 - Two vehicles collided on S Conduit Ave. Passengers and drivers suffered head and back injuries. Police cite driver distraction and improper lane use. Metal and glass scattered. The street stayed dangerous.

A tractor truck and an SUV collided on S Conduit Ave near Linden Blvd in Queens. According to the police report, multiple occupants were injured, including a female rear passenger with head trauma and a male driver with back injuries. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the risks when drivers lose focus and misuse lanes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802825 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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

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

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

Mar 23 - A Ford pickup hit a 29-year-old man on 133rd Street near Liberty Avenue. Blood spilled onto the asphalt. The man stood, stunned, his leg torn open. The driver never stopped. No brake lights, no pause, just a truck vanishing west.

A Ford pickup truck struck a 29-year-old man on 133rd Street near Liberty Avenue, according to the police report. The man, described as 'playing in the roadway,' suffered severe lacerations to his lower leg and stood in shock as blood spilled onto the street. The report states the pickup did not stop after the collision—'No brake lights. Just gone.' The vehicle, registered in New Jersey, showed no reported damage and was traveling west. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The driver’s failure to remain at the scene is a central fact. The victim’s behavior is noted as 'playing in roadway,' but this is only mentioned after the driver’s actions. The collision left the pedestrian injured and abandoned, underscoring the lethal consequences when drivers fail to stop after striking a person.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800723 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 22 - Two women suffered head injuries in a Queens crash on Lefferts Blvd. Both were restrained but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The collision involved improper lane usage and traffic control disregard, highlighting driver errors in a multi-SUV crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Lefferts Blvd in Queens at 2:00 AM. Two occupants in a Ford SUV—a 23-year-old female driver and a 20-year-old female front passenger—were injured with head trauma and minor bleeding. Both wore lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors behind the collision. The Ford SUV was impacted on the right front quarter panel, while a BMW SUV traveling east struck it at the center front end. The driver of the BMW was a licensed male. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This crash underscores the dangers of improper lane use and failure to obey traffic controls in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800716 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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

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

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799830 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 15 - A motorcycle traveling west was struck by an eastbound SUV making a left turn on Rockaway Blvd in Queens. The motorcycle driver suffered a severe leg fracture and shock. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:36 on Rockaway Blvd in Queens. A motorcycle traveling westbound was struck at the center front end by an SUV making a left turn eastbound. The motorcycle driver, a 28-year-old male, sustained serious injuries including a fracture and dislocation to his lower leg, knee, and foot, and was reported to be in shock. The SUV driver was licensed and female. The police report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The motorcycle driver was not ejected and no other contributing factors were specified. The collision impact was at the center front end of the motorcycle and the right front bumper of the SUV, indicating the SUV's left turn crossed the motorcycle's path, resulting in the severe injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799109 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Mar 15 - A minivan struck a 78-year-old woman crossing Northern Boulevard. The driver fled. She died at the hospital. Police have not released her name. No arrests. The street stayed open. The city moved on.

According to NY Daily News (published March 15, 2025), a 78-year-old woman was killed crossing Northern Blvd. near Parsons Blvd. in Flushing around 9:30 p.m. Friday. Police said, "A 78-year-old woman was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver as she crossed a Queens street." The dark-colored minivan was traveling west when it hit her mid-block. The driver did not stop. No arrests have been made. The victim was taken to New York Presbyterian-Queens Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her name has not been released. The crash highlights ongoing dangers for pedestrians on major city corridors and the persistent issue of drivers fleeing fatal scenes.

• Elderly Woman Killed In Queens Hit-Run, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-15

Mar 14 - Two sedans collided head-on on Rockaway Blvd. A 48-year-old man driving north was hurt in the neck. Police cited driver inattention and improper lane use. One driver was unlicensed. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed head-on at the center front ends on Rockaway Blvd in Queens at 2:50 AM. The northbound sedan, driven by a 48-year-old man, suffered center front damage. He was conscious, properly restrained, and sustained neck injuries and whiplash. The southbound Nissan sedan was driven by an unlicensed woman and showed no damage. Police listed driver inattention, distraction, and improper lane usage as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798580 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feb 26 - A Mercedes ran a red. It hit a BMW broadside at 107th and Northern. The BMW’s driver died. The Mercedes driver, a firefighter, faces charges. Two passengers hurt. The street stayed quiet, but the damage was done.

According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), a Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly ran a red light and struck a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. in Queens, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The Mercedes, driven by FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, T-boned Diaz’s car. Surveillance footage showed Diaz entering the intersection as the pedestrian signal allowed crossing. Pena was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The FDNY suspended Pena without pay. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article quotes a local shop owner: "It was terrible." The crash highlights the lethal risk of red-light running and impaired driving at city intersections.

• Red Light Crash Kills BMW Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26

Feb 22 - A sedan hit a 51-year-old woman outside an intersection in Queens. She suffered hip and leg injuries. Police cite driver inexperience and distraction. The car’s front quarter panel struck her.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 135 Place in Queens struck a 51-year-old female pedestrian who was in the roadway but not at an intersection. The impact came from the vehicle’s right front quarter panel, causing injuries to her hip and upper leg. The pedestrian remained conscious and complained of internal pain. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and going straight before the crash. No pedestrian actions were cited as contributing factors. This collision underscores the danger posed by driver errors, especially inexperience and distraction, on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794423 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 21 - A southbound SUV struck an eastbound sedan at Lefferts Blvd in Queens. The SUV's left front bumper hit the sedan's left rear quarter panel. The sedan driver, a 43-year-old man, suffered a head abrasion but remained conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:59 on Lefferts Blvd in Queens involving a 2016 Chevrolet SUV traveling south and a 2011 Nissan sedan traveling east. The SUV impacted the sedan on its left front bumper, striking the sedan's left rear quarter panel. The sedan driver, a 43-year-old male occupant, was injured with a head abrasion but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or signs. Both drivers were licensed in New York. No ejections occurred. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the sedan driver beyond unspecified factors, focusing on the SUV driver's failure to comply with traffic control as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794422 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 14 - Two sedans traveling north collided on Liberty Avenue. The driver of one vehicle suffered a back injury and contusion. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front and rear-end damage in the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Liberty Avenue collided at 22:33. The impact occurred at the center front end of one vehicle and the right rear bumper of the other. The driver of the second sedan, a 28-year-old female occupant, was injured with a back contusion and bruising but was conscious and not ejected. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver inattention and distraction, listing this as the sole contributing factor for the collision. Both vehicles sustained damage consistent with a rear-end type impact. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793048 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 14 - A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.

According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.

• Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14

Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.

According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08

Feb 6 - A 35-year-old man crossing Rockaway Blvd was struck by a vehicle making a right turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian at the intersection. The man suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm injury.

According to the police report, a vehicle traveling south on Rockaway Blvd was making a right turn when it struck a 35-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection near 114 St. The pedestrian sustained a fracture, dislocation, and distortion to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report identifies the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end but sustained no damage. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident highlights the dangers posed by drivers neglecting to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791695 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05