By Sadef Ali Kully
After the hit-and-run death of a teenage girl struck by a van, community and elected officials called on the Department of Transportation Friday for pedestrian safety measures on the busy intersection of Francis Lewis Boulevard and Sunrise Highway in Rosedale.
Police identified the victim as 16-year old Alexia Smith, from 221st Street in Rosedale, who was struck and killed Wednesday by an unknown dark colored van, police officials said.
Police said Smith was attempting to cross Sunrise Highway when the van hit her and fled the scene. The NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad said the investigation was ongoing.
Members of civic groups and Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) said pedestrian safety measures would help “calm” traffic down.
The area around the busy intersection is populated by a group home for autistic adults who take walks around the area as well as schools.
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
