News Summary
A hit-and-run incident in Queens has led to the death of a 44-year-old construction worker, Isabel Alvarez. The driver, Daveanand Budhai, fled the scene but was soon apprehended. The tragedy has brought attention to safety concerns in work zones and reckless driving. Alvarez was known for her dedication, working in construction for 15 years and planning to build a home for her mother in El Salvador. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety for workers and responsible driving.
New York City: Driver Arrested in Hit-and-Run That Killed Construction Worker in Queens
An early morning hit-and-run incident in Queens resulted in the death of a 44-year-old construction worker, with the driver believed to have fled the scene but was later apprehended nearby. The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about safety in work zones and reckless driving on city streets.
Details of the Incident
The collision occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, near the eastbound Nassau Expressway and Exit 1N. Isabel Alvarez, a construction worker from the Bronx, was directing traffic in a designated safety zone situated between the exit ramp and the eastbound lanes of the expressway. Tragedy struck when a vehicle struck her as she was performing her duties.
First responders arrived promptly and pronounced Alvarez dead at the scene. Her death was confirmed shortly after the incident, leaving her family, friends, and colleagues mourning her loss. Alvarez was known for her dedication and had worked in the construction industry for approximately 15 years. She was also in the process of building a vacation home for her mother in El Salvador, reflecting her personal commitments outside her job.
The Culprit and Legal Proceedings
According to authorities, the driver involved in the incident was identified as 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai. He was operating a 2018 Infiniti Q50S at a high rate of speed when the collision occurred. After striking Alvarez, Budhai fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.
Law enforcement officers tracked him down shortly thereafter near South Conduit Avenue and 134th Street. He was taken into custody and transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for minor injuries sustained in the incident, specifically to his right hand. Following his arrest, Budhai was charged with several offenses, including assault, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, and menacing.
Community and Official Responses
The incident elicited responses from city officials, with New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez issuing a statement. She expressed condolences to Alvarez’s family and emphasized the importance of safeguarding construction workers in work zones, urging caution and respect from drivers.
The community and Alvarez’s colleagues are mourning her loss. Many highlighted her selflessness and dedication, noting her willingness to temporarily cover for a coworker when the incident occurred. Her colleagues described her as a hardworking individual committed to her craft, making her untimely death particularly heart-wrenching.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
Alvarez’s death underscores the ongoing concerns over traffic safety and reckless driving, especially in work zones where construction workers are vulnerable. She had expressed earlier concerns about dangerous driving behaviors in the area, which adds context to the tragedy.
The NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate the circumstances of the incident. Authorities are reviewing traffic camera footage and speaking with witnesses to gather more details regarding the crash and the driver’s actions.
Safety Reminder for Drivers
This incident serves as a stark reminder for all drivers to respect work zones and prioritize safety for construction workers. Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible driving, especially in areas where workers are present, to prevent such devastating incidents from recurring.
As the investigation remains ongoing, community members and authorities alike hope that increased awareness and adherence to traffic laws will help protect those working to improve city infrastructure and ensure roadway safety for everyone.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 NY
- Wikipedia: Hit and Run
- QNS
- Google Search: hit and run incidents Queens
- NY Daily News
- Google Scholar: construction worker safety Queens
- QNS
- Encyclopedia Britannica: traffic safety
- Audacy
- Google News: moped hit and run Queens
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
