News Summary
A construction worker was fatally struck in a hit-and-run incident in Queens, with the driver identified as Daveanand Budhai, who has since been arrested. The collision occurred while the victim was directing traffic near the Nassau Expressway. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, which has led to multiple legal charges against Budhai. The incident has raised significant concerns about safety in construction zones and has prompted official responses emphasizing the need for public awareness and caution.
New York City: Driver Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run in Queens
An incident in Queens resulted in the death of a construction worker after a hit-and-run overnight on Friday. The driver involved has been identified and arrested, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Fatal Collision Occurs Near Nassau Expressway
At approximately 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Isabel Alvarez, 44, a longtime construction worker from the Bronx, was struck and killed while directing traffic in the area of the eastbound Nassau Expressway and Exit 1N. Alvarez was standing in a designated safety zone between the exit ramp and the eastbound lanes of the expressway when the incident happened. First responders arrived at the scene and pronounced her dead shortly afterward.
Suspect Driver Fleeing the Scene and Arrest
The driver involved in the collision, Daveanand Budhai, 25, was operating a 2018 Infiniti Q50S at a high rate of speed when he struck Alvarez. After the impact, he fled the scene but was located shortly afterward near the intersection of South Conduit Avenue and 134th Street. Authorities detained him and transported him to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was listed as being in stable condition. Budhai sustained minor injuries, specifically to his right hand.
Legal Charges and Pending Proceedings
Following his arrest, Budhai faces multiple charges, including assault, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, and menacing. These charges reflect the severity of the incident and the potential consequences of his actions.
Official Responses and Community Impact
Marie Therese Dominguez, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of public safety in work zones and expressing condolences to Alvarez’s family. The statement highlighted the ongoing effort to ensure safety for construction workers and drivers alike.
Background and Context
Isabel Alvarez had expressed concerns about dangerous driving behavior in the area prior to her death. She was temporarily covering for a co-worker at the time of the incident. Known for her dedication, she had worked in construction for about 15 years and was in the process of building a vacation home for her mother in El Salvador.
The community, including Alvarez’s family and coworkers, continues to mourn her loss, emphasizing her selflessness and commitment to her work. Her death underscores the importance of respecting work zones and driving responsibly near construction sites.
Investigation and Safety Reminder
The NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is actively investigating the case to determine the full details of the incident. Authorities have reiterated the need for caution and adherence to traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to drivers to prioritize safety and stay vigilant, especially in areas where construction workers are present. Authorities continue to urge the public to respect work zones and follow posted signs and speed limits to protect all road users and workers.
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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
