A cyclist lost his life in a tragic collision with an FDNY firetruck near Juniper Valley Park in Queens, as first responders were en route to an emergency call.
At a Glance
- A man in his 50s was struck and killed by an FDNY firetruck in Queens on Saturday, April 19 around 4:00 p.m.
- The accident occurred when the cyclist collided with a Rescue Company 4 firetruck that was turning onto Juniper Boulevard with lights and sirens activated.
- The firetruck was responding to a church fire at the time of the incident.
- The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene after being trapped beneath the truck’s wheels.
- The NYPD Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is investigating; no arrests have been made.
Fatal Collision Details
A male cyclist, reportedly in his 50s, was killed Saturday afternoon when an FDNY firetruck struck him near Juniper Valley Park in Queens. The collision occurred around 4:00 p.m. when a truck from Rescue Company 4, an elite unit within the New York City Fire Department, was responding to a church fire with lights and sirens activated.
According to reports, the cyclist emerged from behind a parked car and collided with the side of the firetruck as it was turning onto Juniper Boulevard. The victim became trapped beneath the truck’s wheels and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses described a somber scene following the accident. First responders covered the area with sheets while investigators worked to determine the sequence of events that led to the fatality.
The tragic incident occurred in a residential area popular with weekend cyclists and pedestrians. The collision highlights the inherent dangers that can arise when emergency vehicles navigate busy city streets while responding to calls, even with warning devices activated. No other injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Eyewitness Accounts
Miguel Vega, who witnessed the aftermath of the collision, provided details about the scene. “We stopped at the red light and there was the FDNY truck,” Vega stated, describing how he came upon the accident. He noted the emotional impact the incident had on the firefighters present at the scene, with some visibly shaken by what had occurred. The emotional toll of such incidents affects not only the victim’s loved ones but also the first responders involved in such tragic circumstances.
“There were two firefighters standing on the road. One of them seemed concerned, like shaken, like shocked,” said eyewitness Miguel Vega.
Vega expressed sympathy for everyone affected by the tragedy. “I just feel so bad for everyone. For the people in the fire truck, the families involved, everyone,” he said. The accident drew numerous onlookers as emergency personnel worked at the scene.
Local residents described the intersection as normally safe but noted that the curve where the accident occurred can be challenging to navigate, especially for larger vehicles. The area surrounding Juniper Valley Park is frequented by cyclists and runners who utilize the park’s pathways and surrounding streets.
Investigation and Background
The NYPD Highway District Collision Investigation Squad has taken charge of investigating the incident. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the collision. Authorities will examine factors such as visibility, traffic signals, speed, and adherence to emergency vehicle protocols as they work to determine the precise cause of the accident. The investigation will likely include review of any available surveillance footage, analysis of the vehicles involved, and additional interviews with witnesses.
“I just feel so bad for everyone. For the people in the fire truck, the families involved, everyone,” said Vega.
Rescue Company 4, the unit involved in the accident, has a distinguished history within the FDNY. Established in 1931, it is considered an elite unit within the department. The company suffered devastating losses during the September 11th terrorist attacks, when eight of its firefighters perished.
This latest tragedy adds another difficult chapter to the unit’s history. The accident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with emergency response and the importance of awareness for all road users, including cyclists, motorists, and emergency vehicles.
