Two fatalities in separate NYC crashes: a senior pedestrian and a moped rider both killed within 24 hours.

A tragic series of vehicle-related incidents in New York City has resulted in the deaths of two individuals within 24 hours, igniting concerns regarding pedestrian and moped safety. Authorities reported the incidents, which occurred in Queens and Brooklyn, on Friday.

The first incident involved 74-year-old Eric Wexler, who was fatally struck while attempting to cross the intersection of 217th Street and Northern Boulevard in Cambria Heights around 10 p.m. on Wednesday. According to police, Wexler was not using the designated crosswalk and was crossing against a traffic signal when a 2017 Chevy Tahoe, operated by a 47-year-old man traveling eastbound, hit him. Emergency responders transported Wexler to North Shore Manhasset Hospital, where he subsequently succumbed to severe head and bodily injuries.

The driver of the Chevy Tahoe remained at the scene following the accident, although no charges have been filed at this time. Notably, the vehicle involved had previously accumulated multiple traffic violations, including six speeding infractions and one red light violation, although it remains unclear whether the current driver was responsible for those past infractions. Wexler was a resident of Glen Oaks, Queens, which is approximately four miles from the site of the incident.

Less than a day later, a second fatality occurred in Brooklyn involving 42-year-old Rino El-Saieh. This incident took place around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday when El-Saieh was struck by a 2018 BMW while attempting to make a left turn from East 2nd Street onto Avenue P in Midwood. The BMW, driven by a 17-year-old, reportedly collided with El-Saieh as he maneuvered his moped. Following the impact, the BMW lost control and crashed into a parked Ford van and a Hyundai Elantra.

Emergency medical personnel transported El-Saieh to Maimonides Medical Center, but he unfortunately did not survive the injuries sustained in the collision. The teenager operating the BMW also remained at the scene following the crash, with no charges having been filed thus far. Officials confirmed that El-Saieh was a resident of East New York, Brooklyn.

These incidents underscore the ongoing issues of road safety in urban environments, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protective measures for vulnerable roadway users such as pedestrians and motorcyclists. As investigations continue, both families are left grappling with the devastating loss of their loved ones. Media News Source.