Two girls, ages 4 and 8, hit by a driver who ran a red light in Queens.

In a concerning incident Monday afternoon in Queens, New York, two young girls were struck by a vehicle in Jackson Heights. The collision occurred around 1:20 p.m. at the intersection of 73rd Street and 37th Avenue, as the children, ages four and eight, were lawfully crossing the street while in the designated crosswalk.

According to local law enforcement, the driver of a Toyota RAV4, traveling westbound on 37th Avenue, allegedly made a move to circumvent another vehicle before proceeding through a red traffic light. The SUV collided with the girls, prompting bystanders to react quickly and call 911.

Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene and transported the injured children to Elmhurst Hospital Center for treatment. Fortunately, both girls are reported to have sustained minor injuries and are currently in stable condition.

Following the incident, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene, and law enforcement officials are actively searching for the individual. The police have urged anyone with information regarding the incident or the driver’s whereabouts to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 577-TIPS.

The response to the incident was documented by Citizen, a public safety app, which captured footage of first responders attending to the young girls as they were placed in an ambulance. Witnesses observed the unfolding events on the busy street, highlighting the serious nature of traffic safety in urban environments.

This incident underscores the urgent need for continued dialogue surrounding pedestrian safety, particularly for children in high-traffic areas. As investigations continue, local authorities are expected to implement measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.

As this story develops, updates will be provided to ensure ongoing public awareness regarding safety in our communities.