Building Facade Collapse in Queens Injures Teenager

On Saturday in Queens, a piece of a building facade fell and hit a 14-year-old boy on the head while he was walking with his parents. Fortunately, an awning might have cushioned the impact, potentially saving his life, according to police and witnesses.

The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. at 37-54 82nd St. in Jackson Heights as the boy was walking by when a triangular chunk of concrete struck him.

The manager of Salon Barber Essentials, located at the same address, described the event, saying he first heard a loud noise, which he initially thought was a car crash.

“It sounded like a strong wind, followed by a loud bang,” he recounted. “When I went out, I saw a boy sitting there bleeding.”

He pointed towards the black awning where the debris had fallen, saying, “I think this saved his life.”

Nearby store owner Danny Boy recalled witnessing the chaos firsthand. “There were a lot of people on the sidewalk,” he noted, “and I found the boy before calling 911.”

The boy lived in the area and often visited a general store for school supplies. “The building is about 100 years old,” Danny mentioned, noting he had never witnessed anything falling from it before.

Daisy Rincon, an employee at the store, shared her experience, saying she heard the boy “screaming in pain.” She described the chaotic scene, recalling, “His parents were trying to help him sit up. It was quite a panicky moment.”

Another woman selling jewelry across the street also reported hearing the screams. “It was a horrifying scream,” she said, opting to remain unnamed. She added, “Shortly after, I heard sirens. I thought it was a fire. It was scary. Very scary.”

According to police, the boy was taken to Elmhurst Hospital and is in stable condition, expected to make a full recovery. Photos from the scene revealed a broken piece of concrete in the shape of a triangle lying outside the two-story building, according to city records.