Fatal Crash on Cross Island Parkway in Whitestone Leaves 5 Dead and 1 Injured
In Queens, a tragic incident unfolded on the Cross Island Parkway resulting in the loss of five lives and injuring another person. The collision occurred early Monday at a notorious stretch of the parkway referred to as “dead man’s curve.” Two vehicles, a dark blue Mazda with North Carolina plates and a white Honda, collided on the curve connecting the northbound Cross Island Parkway to the southbound Whitestone Expressway just before 6 a.m.
The Mazda, traveling southbound into the curve, lost control, struck the median, and then collided with the northbound Honda before flipping upside-down in the northbound lanes. While police are still investigating the speed of the Mazda, preliminary information suggests it was traveling at an excessive speed.
Cross Island
Drivers familiar with the area emphasized the challenging nature of the curve, especially if approached at high speeds. The downhill slope leading to the curve makes it difficult for drivers to anticipate and navigate effectively. Robert Acosta, a driver acquainted with the road, highlighted the potential dangers of speeding on this particular stretch.
Tragically, all five occupants of the overturned Mazda lost their lives in the impact, indicating the severity of the crash. Sources revealed that the victims were young adults, with the Mazda’s driver, a recent resident of North Carolina, and the four passengers, two men, and two women, residing in Queens. The driver of the Honda was transported to New York-Presbyterian Queens, where they are in stable condition.
The curve at the junction of the Cross Island Parkway and the Whitestone Expressway is renowned among local drivers, who caution against speeding when approaching it. Orestes Frangakis, familiar with the road, noted the absence of lane-switching options due to a straight line, emphasizing the need for caution. Residents in the vicinity expressed concerns about the reckless driving of some individuals, particularly young drivers speeding around the curve.
As the investigation unfolds, residents ponder additional factors that may have contributed to the crash, considering elements such as road conditions, potential intoxication, or the influence of New Year’s Day festivities. The community awaits further details as authorities work to determine the cause of this tragic incident.
