Two food truck customers and an 84-year-old driver tragically lost their lives when the senior accidentally drove his car into them on a Tuesday morning in Queens. This was revealed by police, along with startling surveillance footage.
The elderly driver was heading north on 42nd Avenue in Astoria when he veered from the intersection, crashing his light-colored 2010 Toyota Corolla into the food truck, as shown in the police and video reports.
Following the initial collision, he collided with a Volvo sedan being driven by a 42-year-old man, who, thankfully, wasn’t harmed.
Food truck worker Giancarlo Caruso described the scene, noting, “All of a sudden, I heard a loud screech from the tires; it sounded like a very loud engine roaring over me.” He recalled a voice crying out amid the chaos just as he stepped quickly back onto the sidewalk.
Caruso explained, “I parked right off the sidewalk. As soon as I heard the screams and screeching, I retreated—then a car moving about 60 miles per hour hit two customers beside me.” He described seeing the victims lying there, lifeless. “It happened so quickly. It felt as if God had pushed me out of the way.”
Emergency responders confirmed that the young food truck client was declared dead at the scene.
Both the elderly driver and one of the victims were taken to Elmhurst Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed as authorities are still notifying their families.
Francisco Neto, who owns a nearby dog daycare, mentioned he recognized one of the victims from his time at a tire shop. “A very nice guy,” Neto remarked. “He had helped us a lot with our tires here. It’s sad; he recently changed all four of my car’s tires.”
He added, “This street is typically busy with tire shops, mechanics, and motorbike locations, but nothing like this has ever happened.”
