By Rebecca Henely
An 82-year-old East Elmhurst woman was killed mere feet away from her home Monday after a collision on 32nd Avenue and 70th Road between two cars sent one reeling in her direction, police said. Margaret Choberka, who lived near the northeast block of the intersection with her two elder sisters, was pronounced dead at the scene from head trauma, police said.
“I loved her and I can’t believe what happened,” said Helen Choberka, 87, one of the victim’s sisters.
At about 12:48 p.m. Monday, police responded to a report of a pedestrian struck, police said. After the police arrived at the scene and found Margaret Choberka, they determined she had died after a 2002 Mercedez-Benz and a 2009 Toyota Sienna collided at the intersection, police said.
The Mercedes was going northbound on 70th Street and the Toyota, which was going westbound, hit the Mercedes’ on the left back passenger side, police said. The Mercedes then hit Margaret Choberka afterward, police said.
A witness at the scene who declined to give his name said the Toyota had run through a red light at the intersection. Police did not arrest either of the drivers, both of whom stayed at the scene, and they did not suspect any criminality as of press time Tuesday evening.
Many residents watched as officers from the 115th Precinct investigated the scene. Margaret Choberka’s body remained covered under a yellow sheet until the medical examiner arrived after 3 p.m.
Neighbor Marsha Faga, 68, said she was inside her house when the collision occurred.
“I just hear a big bang, and that’s it,” she said.
She said she knew Margaret Choberka, whom she described as a “very nice woman.”
Some nearby residents said they had lived in the area for many years and found that speeding had gotten much worse recently, especially from motorists attempting to outrun red lights.
“People come down this block at 50 miles an hour to beat that light,” said Anthony DiGesu, 49, referring to the traffic light at the intersection of 70th Street and 31st Avenue.
DiGesu, a lifelong resident, said he would be petitioning City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) for speed bumps on the block.
Another resident, who declined to give his name, said an accident occurred two months ago at the same location, with one vehicle hitting and knocking down a brick wall that remained unfixed Monday afternoon.
Helen Choberka said Margaret Choberka was “wonderful.” Helen Choberka said she took care of both her and their sister, Leona, who is 85.
“I love her,” Helen Choberka said. “I want her back.”
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
