Five Dead in Queens: Speed Kills, Leaders Stall

A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. It hit a man on a bike. He died there, on the street. Police are investigating. The crash happened in Middle Village, Queens. Metal met flesh. The city keeps moving.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The collision happened as the truck was 'turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street.' The victim, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating the incident. The article notes the truck's turning movement but does not detail further driver actions. This fatal crash highlights the risks at intersections where large vehicles and cyclists cross paths. No information was provided about charges or policy changes.

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

A firetruck struck a cyclist on Juniper Boulevard. The truck turned with lights and sirens. The cyclist was crushed under the rear wheels. Sheets covered the scene. Firefighters stood by, shaken. The victim died instantly. The investigation continues.

According to the New York Post (April 19, 2025), an FDNY Rescue Company 4 firetruck fatally struck a cyclist near Juniper Valley Park in Queens while responding to a call. The article states, "The truck was making a turn onto Juniper Boulevard...when the fatal accident occurred." Police reported the truck had lights and sirens activated. The cyclist ended up beneath the rear wheels and was pronounced dead at the scene. Photos showed emergency sheets covering the area. Witness Miguel Vega described firefighters as "shaken, like shocked." The incident highlights the dangers at intersections, especially when emergency vehicles turn. The crash is under investigation, with no details yet on policy or procedural changes.

• FDNY Firetruck Kills Cyclist Near Park, New York Post, Published 2025-04-19

A former firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. He struck Justin Diaz’s car at 83 mph. Diaz died a block from home. The driver was drunk, high, and unregistered. The court revoked his bail. Diaz’s family mourns.

ABC7 reported on April 17, 2025, that ex-FDNY firefighter Michael Peña faces manslaughter and DWI charges after a deadly crash in Queens. Prosecutors allege Peña was drunk, high, and speeding at 83 mph—three times the limit—when he ran a red light and T-boned 23-year-old Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance and body camera footage show Peña admitting to running the light. Five hours after the crash, tests confirmed intoxication by alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Peña’s record includes prior arrests and 25 school zone speeding tickets. He also drove an unregistered vehicle with an obstructed plate and tinted windshield. The victim, Diaz, was headed to work and had just graduated college. The case highlights repeated driver violations and systemic failures in enforcement.

• Ex-Firefighter Charged In Queens Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-17

Two sedans crashed on 70 Ave and Loubet St. Both drivers injured. Police cite traffic control ignored and tailgating. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.

Two sedans crashed at 70 Ave and Loubet St in Queens. Both drivers, ages 20 and 105, were injured. One suffered neck injuries, the other hurt his leg. According to the police report, both drivers disregarded traffic control and followed too closely. These driver errors led to the collision. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left both vehicles damaged and the drivers shaken.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805702 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan, SUV, and motorcycle slammed together on Woodhaven. Metal screamed. A 55-year-old man was thrown and killed. Others staggered from wrecks, battered and stunned. Failure to yield left silence in its wake.

A deadly crash on Woodhaven Boulevard at 60th Drive involved a sedan, an SUV, and a motorcycle. According to the police report, 'A sedan, motorcycle, and SUV collide, metal shrieks. The motorcycle is crushed. A 55-year-old man, ejected, dies on the street. Others crawl from wrecks, dazed, bodies aching.' The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The 55-year-old motorcyclist was killed after being ejected. Another driver, age 42, was injured. Passengers and other drivers suffered unspecified injuries. Helmets and harnesses were used but could not prevent the fatal outcome.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803498 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

A driver lost control near a Queens school. The car struck two children and a man. A seven-year-old girl’s leg snapped. Sirens wailed. Police arrested the driver. The sidewalk bore the scars. The city’s danger was plain.

According to the New York Post (April 4, 2025), an unlicensed driver reversed into a box truck, then spun onto the sidewalk outside Our World Neighborhood Charter School in Astoria, Queens. The crash injured three: a 7-year-old girl with a broken femur and head injury, a 14-year-old girl with leg injuries, and a 58-year-old man with bruises. The article states, 'Bah was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving and driving without a license.' This incident follows another recent crash involving a suspended license, highlighting recurring risks from unlicensed drivers. The crash underscores the persistent threat cars pose to people on city sidewalks, especially near schools.

• Unlicensed Driver Hits Kids Outside School, New York Post, Published 2025-04-04

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

A taxi struck the left rear bumper of a northbound sedan changing lanes on G.C.P. / JEWEL (CDR). Two sedan passengers suffered whiplash and injuries to back and shoulder. The taxi driver followed too closely, causing the collision.

According to the police report, at 16:09 a taxi traveling southbound collided with the left rear bumper of a northbound sedan on G.C.P. / JEWEL (CDR). The sedan was in the process of changing lanes when the taxi struck it. The taxi driver's error was identified as "Following Too Closely," directly contributing to the crash. The sedan carried three occupants; two passengers, a 38-year-old male and a 48-year-old female, were injured with whiplash and back and shoulder injuries respectively. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The taxi had no occupants at the time. Vehicle damage was reported on the taxi's right front bumper and the sedan's left rear bumper. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors in the police report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A sedan traveling north on Woodhaven Blvd rear-ended another stopped sedan. The front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inexperience and unsafe backing as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Woodhaven Blvd in Queens at 15:02. A northbound sedan struck the rear of another sedan stopped in traffic. The front passenger in the struck vehicle, a 65-year-old male, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies driver inexperience and backing unsafely as contributing factors to the collision. The striking vehicle sustained center front end damage, while the struck vehicle had center back end damage. The driver of the striking vehicle was licensed. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers posed by inexperienced drivers and unsafe vehicle maneuvers in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bus swung left on Yellowstone. A sixteen-year-old girl crossed with the signal. The bumper tore her leg. Blood pooled on Burns Street. She stayed conscious. The driver, distracted, never saw her.

According to the police report, a bus making a left turn at the corner of Yellowstone Boulevard and Burns Street struck a sixteen-year-old pedestrian. The girl was crossing with the light when the right front bumper hit her leg, causing severe lacerations and significant bleeding. The report states, 'The driver never saw her.' The contributing factor listed is 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The pedestrian's actions—crossing with the signal at the intersection—are noted, but the primary cause identified is the bus driver's failure to pay attention while turning. No vehicle damage was reported. The incident underscores the danger posed by inattentive driving, especially when large vehicles turn through crosswalks occupied by people with the right of way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800242 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan struck an e-scooter traveling west on Queens Boulevard. The e-scooter driver, a 29-year-old man, suffered hip and upper leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:41 on Queens Boulevard involving a sedan and an e-scooter, both traveling west. The sedan's left front bumper impacted the center front end of the e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 29-year-old male, sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors, indicating that the sedan driver failed to maintain proper attention. There was no damage reported to the sedan, while the e-scooter sustained damage to its center front end. The e-scooter driver was not ejected and was not cited for any contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800651 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 23-year-old cyclist lay still on Queens Boulevard, struck by a Ford and a Mercedes. His head hit hard. Two hoods crumpled. Eastbound traffic rolled on. Police cite drivers disregarding traffic control. Another life lost to steel and speed.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male cyclist was killed on Queens Boulevard near 63rd Drive after being struck by both a Ford SUV and a Mercedes sedan. The crash occurred as the cyclist traveled north and the vehicles moved eastbound. The report states, 'A 23-year-old cyclist, no helmet, struck by a Ford and a Mercedes. His head hit. He died in the street. Two crumpled hoods. One still body. Eastbound traffic kept moving.' Police explicitly cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The cyclist suffered fatal head injuries. The report does not list any cyclist behavior as a contributing factor; the focus remains on the actions of the drivers and the systemic dangers present on Queens Boulevard.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799953 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn struck a pedestrian crossing Yellowstone Blvd with the signal. The 46-year-old woman suffered hip and upper leg contusions. Police cite driver failure to yield right-of-way and passenger distraction as contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Yellowstone Blvd at an intersection with the crossing signal. The driver of a 2015 Honda sedan, traveling west and making a left turn, failed to yield the right-of-way, striking the pedestrian with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle sustained no damage despite the impact. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the scene. The data highlights driver error and distraction as central causes of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799613 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 37-year-old female SUV driver suffered head injuries after a right front bumper collision with a bus. The crash occurred during an unsafe lane change. Both vehicles were traveling westbound when impact occurred on a busy city road.

According to the police report, the crash involved a 2023 Toyota SUV and a 2013 bus, both traveling westbound on G.C.P. / JEWEL (CDR). The SUV driver, a 37-year-old woman, was injured with head trauma and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV and the left side doors of the bus. The report cites "Unsafe Lane Changing" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. The SUV driver was not ejected and showed no visible complaints beyond head injury. The bus had four occupants, and its driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799543 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A moped driver suffered a back contusion after a collision with a sedan on 62 Drive in Queens. Both vehicles traveled southwest, impacting at the sedan’s left front bumper and the moped’s center back end. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 62 Drive near Junction Boulevard in Queens at 16:42. A 26-year-old male moped driver, wearing a helmet, was injured with a back contusion and remained conscious. The moped and a sedan were both traveling southwest when they collided. The sedan sustained damage to its left front bumper, and the moped was damaged at its center back end. The report cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" twice as contributing factors, indicating driver error as the primary cause. The moped driver was not ejected and was identified as the injured party. No other contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797575 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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