SUV backs into stroller - infant dies

Tragedy struck in College Point last week when a huge SUV backed over a stroller while exiting a parking lot, fatally injuring a 37-week-old boy.
Elizabeth Distasio was pushing the stroller which held her grandson along the sidewalk near 120-09 18th Avenue on Thursday, October 18, enjoying the warm weather.
Before the stunned woman’s eyes, the Cadillac Escalade backed out of the crowded parking lot at about 3:15 p.m., tearing the carriage from her grasp as it rolled over it - and her grandson.
Kyle Distasio was thrown from the stroller as it was crumpled by the vehicle. Both the boy and the carriage remained under the SUV until emergency responders extricated the tot.
Distasio was transported to New York Hospital Queens in critical condition. The child was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
The driver of the SUV remained at the scene, and reportedly was one of those who called 9-1-1 to summon aid. Police say that no criminal charges were contemplated.
According to published reports, the deceased infant’s parents live in Floral Park and were at work at the time; Anthony Distasio is an electrician and his wife is a school teacher.
The boy’s grandmother reportedly baby-sat for them every day. She was not physically injured in the accident, but witnesses recounted that the woman was screaming incoherently after crying out “Help me! Call 9-1-1!”