Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Precinct 116?
Sixteen Dead, Zero Excuses: Precinct 116’s Streets Are Killing Us
Precinct 116: Jan 1, 2022 - Aug 4, 2025
The Deaths Keep Coming
In Precinct 116, the numbers do not lie. Sixteen people killed. Twenty-four left with serious injuries. In the last twelve months alone, four deaths and three more lives changed forever. The names fade, but the pain does not. A 44-year-old woman, struck and killed by an SUV on Laurelton Parkway. Three elders—ages 75 and up—dead in crashes. Children injured, futures stolen. The road does not care who you are.
The Crashes Are Not Accidents
Speed is the silent killer. On December 25th, a 21-year-old man died behind the wheel of an unlicensed Audi, changing lanes too fast on Laurelton Parkway. On February 8th, a 27-year-old woman was ejected and killed on the Belt Parkway. The cause: unsafe speed. The city’s own data shows that SUVs and cars are the main threat, with 221 pedestrian injuries or deaths caused by SUVs and cars in this precinct alone.
Leadership: Words, Delays, and the Cost of Inaction
The police have the tools. They can enforce speed limits, ticket reckless drivers, and target crash hotspots. But the carnage continues. “This was a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible for the teenager’s deadly actions,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. But for every case that ends in court, dozens more end in silence.
Victims’ families know the cost. “I wish they would never have given him that car. I wish they would never think about giving him that car—because if they didn’t give him that car, my daughter would still be here right now,” said Keisha Francis, mother of a 14-year-old girl killed in a crash.
What Comes Next
Precinct 116 can act. The council can push for lower speed limits and more cameras. The police can crack down on speeding and failure to yield. Residents can demand action. Every day of delay is another day someone does not come home.
Call your council member. Call the precinct. Demand enforcement. Demand safer streets.
No more waiting. No more names lost to the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
▸ Where does Precinct 116 sit politically?
▸ Which areas are in Precinct 116?
▸ What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in Precinct 116?
▸ What can police do to protect vulnerable road users here?
▸ Are these crashes just 'accidents'?
▸ What can local politicians do?
▸ What is CrashCount?
Citations
▸ Citations
- Man Killed By Car In Queens Dispute, ABC7, Published 2025-08-01
- Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-01
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719034 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
- Two Killed In Separate E-Vehicle Crashes, NY Daily News, Published 2025-08-03
- Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street, New York Post, Published 2025-08-01
- Flash Flood Traps Cars On Expressway, ABC7, Published 2025-07-31
Other Representatives
District 29
232-06A Merrick Blvd., Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
Room 717, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
District 31
1931 Mott Avenue, Suite 410, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
718-471-7014
250 Broadway, Suite 1865, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7216
District 10
142-01 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park, NY 11436
Room 711, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
▸ Other Geographies
Precinct 116 Police Precinct 116 sits in Queens, District 31, AD 29, SD 10.
It contains Queens CB13, Springfield Gardens (North)-Rochdale Village, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens (South)-Brookville, Rosedale, Montefiore Cemetery.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Police Precinct 116
Aggressive Unlicensed Motorcyclist Injures Pedestrian▸A motorcycle slammed into a 29-year-old man on Merrick Blvd. The rider was unlicensed. Aggressive driving fueled the crash. The pedestrian suffered leg injuries. Police blame driver recklessness.
According to the police report, an unlicensed man riding a motorcycle westbound on Merrick Blvd struck a 29-year-old male pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was injured, suffering abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The motorcycle's left front quarter panel hit the pedestrian and was damaged. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. Driver errors—aggressive driving and operating without a valid license—were primary causes. No victim actions contributed, according to the police report.
Two Sedans Crash on Laurelton Parkway▸Two sedans collided on Laurelton Parkway. A 24-year-old driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both cars took front-end damage. No driver errors listed in the police report.
According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Laurelton Parkway at 21:08. A 24-year-old male driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and secured by a lap belt and harness. The sedans sustained damage to their front ends. The report notes an SUV was changing lanes and struck the left front bumper of another vehicle. No specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited as contributing factors. The injured driver was not ejected. The report does not list any victim behaviors or other contributing factors.
SUV Slams Sedan on Belt Parkway, Driver Crushed▸Westbound SUV plows into sedan’s rear near 150th Street. Steel folds. A woman’s spine breaks. She stays conscious, seatbelt digging in, pain radiating. The crash leaves her body broken, the road echoing with the violence of speed and carelessness.
A violent rear-end collision unfolded on Belt Parkway near 150th Street when a westbound SUV struck the back of a sedan, according to the police report. The report states the SUV 'slammed into a sedan’s rear,' crushing the 35-year-old woman driving the sedan. She remained conscious but suffered severe back injuries as her seatbelt held her in place while the force of the crash broke her spine. The police report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, highlighting the SUV driver's failure to maintain a safe distance. No other contributing factors are cited for the victim. The impact crumpled the sedan’s center back end and the SUV’s front, underscoring the destructive consequences of tailgating on city highways.
SUV Strikes Sedan on S Conduit Ave▸SUV hit sedan’s left side on S Conduit Ave. Sedan driver, 27, suffered neck injury and shock. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience. Both vehicles damaged. System failed to protect.
According to the police report, an SUV and a sedan collided on S Conduit Ave at 9:18 AM. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV struck the sedan’s left side doors with its right front bumper. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered neck trauma and shock. Police list driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and moving straight ahead before the crash. The report does not cite any victim actions as causes. The crash left both vehicles damaged, exposing the danger when drivers lose focus or lack experience.
Distracted SUV Driver Strikes Eastbound Cyclist▸A distracted SUV driver hit a cyclist on S Conduit Ave. The crash left the cyclist with a bruised shoulder. Both traveled east. Impact crushed the bike’s front. Driver inattention fueled the collision.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old male bicyclist riding east on S Conduit Ave was struck by a 2005 Ford SUV, also heading east. The SUV hit the bike’s left front quarter panel with its right front. The cyclist suffered a contusion and upper arm injury but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the cyclist. The cyclist’s record also notes 'Following Too Closely.' No damage was reported on the SUV, but the bike was damaged. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a cause.
SUV Rear-Ends Parked Vehicle on 138 Ave▸A 29-year-old front-seat passenger suffered injuries and shock when a 2024 Hyundai SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked Kia SUV on 138 Avenue. The crash involved driver inattention and distraction, causing front-end damage to the moving vehicle.
According to the police report, at 16:48 a 2024 Hyundai SUV traveling east on 138 Avenue collided with a parked 2022 Kia SUV, impacting its left rear bumper. The Hyundai sustained center front-end damage. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. A 29-year-old female occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the Hyundai was injured and experienced shock, though no visible complaints were noted. Both vehicles were SUVs, and the Hyundai had two occupants at the time. The Kia was parked and unoccupied. The collision resulted from the moving driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to a rear-end impact with a stationary vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.
Sedan Slams Pavement, Driver Injured on Brookville▸A sedan struck defective pavement on Brookville Boulevard. The lone driver suffered knee and leg injuries. Unsafe speed and broken road surface led to the crash. No other people were involved.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old man driving a 2023 Nissan sedan northeast on Brookville Boulevard crashed at 12:19 a.m. The driver, alone in the car, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel took the impact. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The crash left the driver conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
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
Two-Vehicle Collision on 228 St Injures Driver▸A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A motorcycle slammed into a 29-year-old man on Merrick Blvd. The rider was unlicensed. Aggressive driving fueled the crash. The pedestrian suffered leg injuries. Police blame driver recklessness.
According to the police report, an unlicensed man riding a motorcycle westbound on Merrick Blvd struck a 29-year-old male pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was injured, suffering abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The motorcycle's left front quarter panel hit the pedestrian and was damaged. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. Driver errors—aggressive driving and operating without a valid license—were primary causes. No victim actions contributed, according to the police report.
Two Sedans Crash on Laurelton Parkway▸Two sedans collided on Laurelton Parkway. A 24-year-old driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both cars took front-end damage. No driver errors listed in the police report.
According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Laurelton Parkway at 21:08. A 24-year-old male driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and secured by a lap belt and harness. The sedans sustained damage to their front ends. The report notes an SUV was changing lanes and struck the left front bumper of another vehicle. No specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited as contributing factors. The injured driver was not ejected. The report does not list any victim behaviors or other contributing factors.
SUV Slams Sedan on Belt Parkway, Driver Crushed▸Westbound SUV plows into sedan’s rear near 150th Street. Steel folds. A woman’s spine breaks. She stays conscious, seatbelt digging in, pain radiating. The crash leaves her body broken, the road echoing with the violence of speed and carelessness.
A violent rear-end collision unfolded on Belt Parkway near 150th Street when a westbound SUV struck the back of a sedan, according to the police report. The report states the SUV 'slammed into a sedan’s rear,' crushing the 35-year-old woman driving the sedan. She remained conscious but suffered severe back injuries as her seatbelt held her in place while the force of the crash broke her spine. The police report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, highlighting the SUV driver's failure to maintain a safe distance. No other contributing factors are cited for the victim. The impact crumpled the sedan’s center back end and the SUV’s front, underscoring the destructive consequences of tailgating on city highways.
SUV Strikes Sedan on S Conduit Ave▸SUV hit sedan’s left side on S Conduit Ave. Sedan driver, 27, suffered neck injury and shock. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience. Both vehicles damaged. System failed to protect.
According to the police report, an SUV and a sedan collided on S Conduit Ave at 9:18 AM. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV struck the sedan’s left side doors with its right front bumper. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered neck trauma and shock. Police list driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and moving straight ahead before the crash. The report does not cite any victim actions as causes. The crash left both vehicles damaged, exposing the danger when drivers lose focus or lack experience.
Distracted SUV Driver Strikes Eastbound Cyclist▸A distracted SUV driver hit a cyclist on S Conduit Ave. The crash left the cyclist with a bruised shoulder. Both traveled east. Impact crushed the bike’s front. Driver inattention fueled the collision.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old male bicyclist riding east on S Conduit Ave was struck by a 2005 Ford SUV, also heading east. The SUV hit the bike’s left front quarter panel with its right front. The cyclist suffered a contusion and upper arm injury but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the cyclist. The cyclist’s record also notes 'Following Too Closely.' No damage was reported on the SUV, but the bike was damaged. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a cause.
SUV Rear-Ends Parked Vehicle on 138 Ave▸A 29-year-old front-seat passenger suffered injuries and shock when a 2024 Hyundai SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked Kia SUV on 138 Avenue. The crash involved driver inattention and distraction, causing front-end damage to the moving vehicle.
According to the police report, at 16:48 a 2024 Hyundai SUV traveling east on 138 Avenue collided with a parked 2022 Kia SUV, impacting its left rear bumper. The Hyundai sustained center front-end damage. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. A 29-year-old female occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the Hyundai was injured and experienced shock, though no visible complaints were noted. Both vehicles were SUVs, and the Hyundai had two occupants at the time. The Kia was parked and unoccupied. The collision resulted from the moving driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to a rear-end impact with a stationary vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.
Sedan Slams Pavement, Driver Injured on Brookville▸A sedan struck defective pavement on Brookville Boulevard. The lone driver suffered knee and leg injuries. Unsafe speed and broken road surface led to the crash. No other people were involved.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old man driving a 2023 Nissan sedan northeast on Brookville Boulevard crashed at 12:19 a.m. The driver, alone in the car, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel took the impact. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The crash left the driver conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
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
Two-Vehicle Collision on 228 St Injures Driver▸A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
Two sedans collided on Laurelton Parkway. A 24-year-old driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both cars took front-end damage. No driver errors listed in the police report.
According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Laurelton Parkway at 21:08. A 24-year-old male driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and secured by a lap belt and harness. The sedans sustained damage to their front ends. The report notes an SUV was changing lanes and struck the left front bumper of another vehicle. No specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited as contributing factors. The injured driver was not ejected. The report does not list any victim behaviors or other contributing factors.
SUV Slams Sedan on Belt Parkway, Driver Crushed▸Westbound SUV plows into sedan’s rear near 150th Street. Steel folds. A woman’s spine breaks. She stays conscious, seatbelt digging in, pain radiating. The crash leaves her body broken, the road echoing with the violence of speed and carelessness.
A violent rear-end collision unfolded on Belt Parkway near 150th Street when a westbound SUV struck the back of a sedan, according to the police report. The report states the SUV 'slammed into a sedan’s rear,' crushing the 35-year-old woman driving the sedan. She remained conscious but suffered severe back injuries as her seatbelt held her in place while the force of the crash broke her spine. The police report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, highlighting the SUV driver's failure to maintain a safe distance. No other contributing factors are cited for the victim. The impact crumpled the sedan’s center back end and the SUV’s front, underscoring the destructive consequences of tailgating on city highways.
SUV Strikes Sedan on S Conduit Ave▸SUV hit sedan’s left side on S Conduit Ave. Sedan driver, 27, suffered neck injury and shock. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience. Both vehicles damaged. System failed to protect.
According to the police report, an SUV and a sedan collided on S Conduit Ave at 9:18 AM. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV struck the sedan’s left side doors with its right front bumper. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered neck trauma and shock. Police list driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and moving straight ahead before the crash. The report does not cite any victim actions as causes. The crash left both vehicles damaged, exposing the danger when drivers lose focus or lack experience.
Distracted SUV Driver Strikes Eastbound Cyclist▸A distracted SUV driver hit a cyclist on S Conduit Ave. The crash left the cyclist with a bruised shoulder. Both traveled east. Impact crushed the bike’s front. Driver inattention fueled the collision.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old male bicyclist riding east on S Conduit Ave was struck by a 2005 Ford SUV, also heading east. The SUV hit the bike’s left front quarter panel with its right front. The cyclist suffered a contusion and upper arm injury but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the cyclist. The cyclist’s record also notes 'Following Too Closely.' No damage was reported on the SUV, but the bike was damaged. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a cause.
SUV Rear-Ends Parked Vehicle on 138 Ave▸A 29-year-old front-seat passenger suffered injuries and shock when a 2024 Hyundai SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked Kia SUV on 138 Avenue. The crash involved driver inattention and distraction, causing front-end damage to the moving vehicle.
According to the police report, at 16:48 a 2024 Hyundai SUV traveling east on 138 Avenue collided with a parked 2022 Kia SUV, impacting its left rear bumper. The Hyundai sustained center front-end damage. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. A 29-year-old female occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the Hyundai was injured and experienced shock, though no visible complaints were noted. Both vehicles were SUVs, and the Hyundai had two occupants at the time. The Kia was parked and unoccupied. The collision resulted from the moving driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to a rear-end impact with a stationary vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.
Sedan Slams Pavement, Driver Injured on Brookville▸A sedan struck defective pavement on Brookville Boulevard. The lone driver suffered knee and leg injuries. Unsafe speed and broken road surface led to the crash. No other people were involved.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old man driving a 2023 Nissan sedan northeast on Brookville Boulevard crashed at 12:19 a.m. The driver, alone in the car, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel took the impact. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The crash left the driver conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
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
Two-Vehicle Collision on 228 St Injures Driver▸A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
Westbound SUV plows into sedan’s rear near 150th Street. Steel folds. A woman’s spine breaks. She stays conscious, seatbelt digging in, pain radiating. The crash leaves her body broken, the road echoing with the violence of speed and carelessness.
A violent rear-end collision unfolded on Belt Parkway near 150th Street when a westbound SUV struck the back of a sedan, according to the police report. The report states the SUV 'slammed into a sedan’s rear,' crushing the 35-year-old woman driving the sedan. She remained conscious but suffered severe back injuries as her seatbelt held her in place while the force of the crash broke her spine. The police report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, highlighting the SUV driver's failure to maintain a safe distance. No other contributing factors are cited for the victim. The impact crumpled the sedan’s center back end and the SUV’s front, underscoring the destructive consequences of tailgating on city highways.
SUV Strikes Sedan on S Conduit Ave▸SUV hit sedan’s left side on S Conduit Ave. Sedan driver, 27, suffered neck injury and shock. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience. Both vehicles damaged. System failed to protect.
According to the police report, an SUV and a sedan collided on S Conduit Ave at 9:18 AM. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV struck the sedan’s left side doors with its right front bumper. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered neck trauma and shock. Police list driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and moving straight ahead before the crash. The report does not cite any victim actions as causes. The crash left both vehicles damaged, exposing the danger when drivers lose focus or lack experience.
Distracted SUV Driver Strikes Eastbound Cyclist▸A distracted SUV driver hit a cyclist on S Conduit Ave. The crash left the cyclist with a bruised shoulder. Both traveled east. Impact crushed the bike’s front. Driver inattention fueled the collision.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old male bicyclist riding east on S Conduit Ave was struck by a 2005 Ford SUV, also heading east. The SUV hit the bike’s left front quarter panel with its right front. The cyclist suffered a contusion and upper arm injury but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the cyclist. The cyclist’s record also notes 'Following Too Closely.' No damage was reported on the SUV, but the bike was damaged. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a cause.
SUV Rear-Ends Parked Vehicle on 138 Ave▸A 29-year-old front-seat passenger suffered injuries and shock when a 2024 Hyundai SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked Kia SUV on 138 Avenue. The crash involved driver inattention and distraction, causing front-end damage to the moving vehicle.
According to the police report, at 16:48 a 2024 Hyundai SUV traveling east on 138 Avenue collided with a parked 2022 Kia SUV, impacting its left rear bumper. The Hyundai sustained center front-end damage. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. A 29-year-old female occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the Hyundai was injured and experienced shock, though no visible complaints were noted. Both vehicles were SUVs, and the Hyundai had two occupants at the time. The Kia was parked and unoccupied. The collision resulted from the moving driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to a rear-end impact with a stationary vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.
Sedan Slams Pavement, Driver Injured on Brookville▸A sedan struck defective pavement on Brookville Boulevard. The lone driver suffered knee and leg injuries. Unsafe speed and broken road surface led to the crash. No other people were involved.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old man driving a 2023 Nissan sedan northeast on Brookville Boulevard crashed at 12:19 a.m. The driver, alone in the car, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel took the impact. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The crash left the driver conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
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
Two-Vehicle Collision on 228 St Injures Driver▸A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
SUV hit sedan’s left side on S Conduit Ave. Sedan driver, 27, suffered neck injury and shock. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience. Both vehicles damaged. System failed to protect.
According to the police report, an SUV and a sedan collided on S Conduit Ave at 9:18 AM. Both vehicles traveled east. The SUV struck the sedan’s left side doors with its right front bumper. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered neck trauma and shock. Police list driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and moving straight ahead before the crash. The report does not cite any victim actions as causes. The crash left both vehicles damaged, exposing the danger when drivers lose focus or lack experience.
Distracted SUV Driver Strikes Eastbound Cyclist▸A distracted SUV driver hit a cyclist on S Conduit Ave. The crash left the cyclist with a bruised shoulder. Both traveled east. Impact crushed the bike’s front. Driver inattention fueled the collision.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old male bicyclist riding east on S Conduit Ave was struck by a 2005 Ford SUV, also heading east. The SUV hit the bike’s left front quarter panel with its right front. The cyclist suffered a contusion and upper arm injury but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the cyclist. The cyclist’s record also notes 'Following Too Closely.' No damage was reported on the SUV, but the bike was damaged. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a cause.
SUV Rear-Ends Parked Vehicle on 138 Ave▸A 29-year-old front-seat passenger suffered injuries and shock when a 2024 Hyundai SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked Kia SUV on 138 Avenue. The crash involved driver inattention and distraction, causing front-end damage to the moving vehicle.
According to the police report, at 16:48 a 2024 Hyundai SUV traveling east on 138 Avenue collided with a parked 2022 Kia SUV, impacting its left rear bumper. The Hyundai sustained center front-end damage. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. A 29-year-old female occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the Hyundai was injured and experienced shock, though no visible complaints were noted. Both vehicles were SUVs, and the Hyundai had two occupants at the time. The Kia was parked and unoccupied. The collision resulted from the moving driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to a rear-end impact with a stationary vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.
Sedan Slams Pavement, Driver Injured on Brookville▸A sedan struck defective pavement on Brookville Boulevard. The lone driver suffered knee and leg injuries. Unsafe speed and broken road surface led to the crash. No other people were involved.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old man driving a 2023 Nissan sedan northeast on Brookville Boulevard crashed at 12:19 a.m. The driver, alone in the car, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel took the impact. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The crash left the driver conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
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
Two-Vehicle Collision on 228 St Injures Driver▸A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A distracted SUV driver hit a cyclist on S Conduit Ave. The crash left the cyclist with a bruised shoulder. Both traveled east. Impact crushed the bike’s front. Driver inattention fueled the collision.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old male bicyclist riding east on S Conduit Ave was struck by a 2005 Ford SUV, also heading east. The SUV hit the bike’s left front quarter panel with its right front. The cyclist suffered a contusion and upper arm injury but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the cyclist. The cyclist’s record also notes 'Following Too Closely.' No damage was reported on the SUV, but the bike was damaged. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a cause.
SUV Rear-Ends Parked Vehicle on 138 Ave▸A 29-year-old front-seat passenger suffered injuries and shock when a 2024 Hyundai SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked Kia SUV on 138 Avenue. The crash involved driver inattention and distraction, causing front-end damage to the moving vehicle.
According to the police report, at 16:48 a 2024 Hyundai SUV traveling east on 138 Avenue collided with a parked 2022 Kia SUV, impacting its left rear bumper. The Hyundai sustained center front-end damage. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. A 29-year-old female occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the Hyundai was injured and experienced shock, though no visible complaints were noted. Both vehicles were SUVs, and the Hyundai had two occupants at the time. The Kia was parked and unoccupied. The collision resulted from the moving driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to a rear-end impact with a stationary vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.
Sedan Slams Pavement, Driver Injured on Brookville▸A sedan struck defective pavement on Brookville Boulevard. The lone driver suffered knee and leg injuries. Unsafe speed and broken road surface led to the crash. No other people were involved.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old man driving a 2023 Nissan sedan northeast on Brookville Boulevard crashed at 12:19 a.m. The driver, alone in the car, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel took the impact. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The crash left the driver conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
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
Two-Vehicle Collision on 228 St Injures Driver▸A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A 29-year-old front-seat passenger suffered injuries and shock when a 2024 Hyundai SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked Kia SUV on 138 Avenue. The crash involved driver inattention and distraction, causing front-end damage to the moving vehicle.
According to the police report, at 16:48 a 2024 Hyundai SUV traveling east on 138 Avenue collided with a parked 2022 Kia SUV, impacting its left rear bumper. The Hyundai sustained center front-end damage. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. A 29-year-old female occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the Hyundai was injured and experienced shock, though no visible complaints were noted. Both vehicles were SUVs, and the Hyundai had two occupants at the time. The Kia was parked and unoccupied. The collision resulted from the moving driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to a rear-end impact with a stationary vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.
Sedan Slams Pavement, Driver Injured on Brookville▸A sedan struck defective pavement on Brookville Boulevard. The lone driver suffered knee and leg injuries. Unsafe speed and broken road surface led to the crash. No other people were involved.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old man driving a 2023 Nissan sedan northeast on Brookville Boulevard crashed at 12:19 a.m. The driver, alone in the car, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel took the impact. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The crash left the driver conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
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
Two-Vehicle Collision on 228 St Injures Driver▸A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A sedan struck defective pavement on Brookville Boulevard. The lone driver suffered knee and leg injuries. Unsafe speed and broken road surface led to the crash. No other people were involved.
According to the police report, a 40-year-old man driving a 2023 Nissan sedan northeast on Brookville Boulevard crashed at 12:19 a.m. The driver, alone in the car, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel took the impact. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The crash left the driver conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
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
Two-Vehicle Collision on 228 St Injures Driver▸A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
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
Two-Vehicle Collision on 228 St Injures Driver▸A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A northbound sedan and a westbound SUV collided at 228 St. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:33 AM on 228 St involving a northbound sedan and a westbound SUV. The sedan’s left front bumper impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck contusions and remained conscious. She was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors were specified. The report does not attribute fault to the injured driver or mention any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Belt Parkway▸Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
Two eastbound vehicles collided on Belt Parkway. An SUV struck the left rear bumper of a sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway at 8:00 AM involving two eastbound vehicles: a 2011 Chevrolet SUV and a 2016 Jeep sedan. The SUV impacted the left rear bumper of the sedan. The sedan’s driver, a 48-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or violations such as failure to yield. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The impact location and injury details highlight the dangers of rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.
2Driver Distraction Causes Multi-SUV Crash Injuring Two▸Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
Two women suffered serious internal injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on 145 Ave. The impact struck the sedan’s right side doors. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by seat belts.
According to the police report, at 10:21 a.m., a collision occurred on 145 Ave involving two SUVs and a sedan. One 2009 SUV was parked and struck on its center front end. A 2011 SUV traveling north sustained front-end damage. A 2010 sedan traveling east was hit on its right side doors. Two female occupants in the sedan were injured: a 22-year-old driver with head injuries and a 34-year-old front passenger with chest injuries. Both were conscious, not ejected, and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores driver distraction as a critical cause of injury in multi-vehicle collisions.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
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
2Sedan Strikes Passenger Vehicle's Right Side Doors▸A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A sedan traveling north struck the right side doors of another vehicle on 122 Ave late at night. Two rear passengers suffered upper arm and head injuries, both in shock. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles' side doors.
According to the police report, a 2012 Honda sedan traveling north on 122 Ave collided with the right side doors of another vehicle. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the other vehicle sustained damage to its right side doors. Two female rear passengers, aged 24 and 26, were injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and head injuries respectively, both classified as injury severity 3 and experiencing shock. Both passengers were not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not specify contributing driver errors or other factors. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement is noted.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
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
SUV Rear-Ends Sedan on Laurelton Parkway▸A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on Laurelton Parkway at 1 a.m. The sedan’s front passenger, a 57-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. on Laurelton Parkway. A 2011 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling westbound and collided with the center back end of a 2015 sedan driven by a licensed male driver also heading west. The impact was at the sedan’s rear center. The sedan carried a front passenger, a 57-year-old man, who was injured with a fractured and dislocated elbow, described as a severe injury (level 3). The passenger was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the rear-end nature of the collision suggests failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.
SUV and Motorcycle Collide on 147 Ave▸A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A distracted SUV driver struck a motorcycle turning right on 147 Ave. A 7-year-old passenger on the motorcycle suffered a bruised elbow. Both drivers showed inattention, with the motorcyclist unlicensed. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:42 on 147 Ave involving a 2024 SUV traveling east and a 2023 motorcycle making a right turn northbound. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead and impacted the motorcycle's center front end with her right front bumper. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. Both drivers had contributing factors listed as Driver Inattention/Distraction. A 7-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle, wearing a helmet, was injured with a contusion to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and not ejected. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the motorcycle. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical failure leading to the crash.
SUV Driver Ejected in Alcohol-Related Crash▸A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A female SUV driver was ejected and seriously injured in a collision with a parked box truck. The crash involved alcohol and left the driver with fractures to her lower leg and foot. The impact damaged both vehicles’ front centers.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:20 AM on 244 Street near Merrick Boulevard. A female driver of a station wagon/SUV traveling west collided head-on with a parked box truck facing east. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The impact caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles. The driver was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and the severe consequences for vehicle occupants.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A 67-year-old man suffered back contusions after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on N Conduit Ave. The vehicle's front center end bore the impact.
According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured on N Conduit Ave at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 19:20 when a 2017 Jeep SUV, traveling southwest and making a right turn, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident underscores the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.
Distracted Driver Turns Left, Injures Pedestrian▸A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.
A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver distracted by inattention made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, highlighting driver error as the cause.
According to the police report, at 7:50 AM a pick-up truck traveling northwest on Montauk Street made an improper left turn. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. A 23-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when she was struck. She sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving and improper turning maneuvers in urban intersections.