By Bill Parry
An 8-month-old boy in a stroller was struck and killed by a van in East Elmhurst Friday, according to the NYPD. The van was backing out of a commercial driveway near 92-20 Astoria Blvd. around 10:15 a.m. when it hit the unidentified toddler, who was being pushed by his 35-year-old mother, a police spokesman said.
The baby was discovered unconscious and unresponsive by officers from the 115th Precinct. The boy was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he later died, according to the NYPD.
The 44-year-old man, who was operating the van, stayed at the scene and was taken into custody and charges were pending, the spokesman said.
City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst) was “shocked and horrified” when she learned of the fatal collision.
“Events like these should never happen, and show the real reason behind the Vision Zero improvements I have been advocating for across my district and the City,” she said. “Our streets must be safer. Drivers must pay real penalties for their actions. We will learn more about this particular driver and incident, but the basics are clear. Only with stiff penalties will drivers take the care necessary to avoid crashes. We must examine our thoroughfares comprehensively, taking into account the safety of all users — especially pedestrians — who are the most vulnerable. My office is monitoring the situation and I will work with the NYPD, DOT and all stakeholders to ensure that this never happens again, on Astoria Boulevard or any street in New York City.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
