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3 Killedin Queens After Car Strikes Pedestrians Near Food Truck

Tragic Crash in Queens Leaves Three Dead After Car Slams Into Food Truck

In a devastating incident that unfolded on a bustling street in Queens, New York, a high-speed car crash involving a food truck claimed the lives of three people and injured several others late Monday evening. The collision, which occurred at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 153rd Street in the Jamaica neighborhood, has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting ongoing concerns about traffic safety in one of the city's most densely populated boroughs.

According to preliminary reports from the New York Police Department, the crash happened around 8:45 p.m. when a black sedan, traveling at an excessive speed, veered out of control and plowed into a popular halal food truck parked along the curb. The impact was catastrophic, flipping the truck onto its side and scattering debris across the roadway. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with screams piercing the night air as bystanders rushed to aid the victims.

The three fatalities included two workers inside the food truck and one pedestrian who was standing nearby. Identified by authorities as Ahmed Rahman, 42, and his cousin Faisal Khan, 35, both operators of the truck, the men were beloved figures in the local Muslim community, known for serving affordable Middle Eastern cuisine to late-night crowds. The third victim, Maria Gonzalez, 58, was a resident of the area who had stopped to purchase food on her way home from work. All three were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders, despite frantic efforts to extricate them from the wreckage.

Several others sustained injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious fractures. Four individuals, including two passengers from the sedan and two additional pedestrians, were transported to nearby Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Hospital officials reported that one of the injured, a 25-year-old woman, remains in critical condition with internal injuries, while the others are expected to recover.

The driver of the sedan, identified as 29-year-old Jamal Thompson, a local resident with no prior criminal record, was taken into custody at the scene. Police sources indicate that Thompson showed signs of impairment, and preliminary tests suggest alcohol may have been a factor. He has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and reckless endangerment, with additional charges possibly pending as the investigation continues. Thompson, who sustained only minor injuries, was reportedly cooperative with officers but expressed remorse, telling investigators he "didn't see the truck until it was too late."

Witness accounts paint a vivid picture of the moments leading up to the tragedy. "I was just across the street getting coffee when I heard tires screeching," said Elena Ramirez, 47, a longtime Jamaica resident. "The car came flying down the avenue like a bullet. It hit the truck so hard, the whole thing exploded in flames for a second. People were running everywhere—it was like something out of a movie, but way too real." Another witness, Tariq Ali, 30, who frequents the food truck, added, "Ahmed and Faisal were like family to us. They always had a smile, even on busy nights. This is heartbreaking for the whole neighborhood."

The food truck, named "Halal Haven," had been a fixture on Jamaica Avenue for over five years, drawing crowds with its gyros, falafel, and kebabs. Operated by Rahman and Khan, who immigrated from Bangladesh a decade ago, it represented the entrepreneurial spirit of Queens' immigrant communities. Friends and family gathered at the site the following morning, leaving flowers, candles, and messages of condolence amid the police tape and shattered glass. "They came here for a better life, and now this," said Rahman's brother, speaking through tears. "We need justice, but more than that, we need safer streets."

This incident adds to a troubling pattern of traffic fatalities in New York City, where pedestrian and vehicular accidents have been on the rise despite initiatives like Vision Zero, launched in 2014 to eliminate traffic deaths. According to city data, Queens has seen a spike in crashes involving food vendors and street carts, often due to speeding vehicles and inadequate parking regulations. Advocates for street safety, including members of Transportation Alternatives, are calling for immediate action, such as installing more speed cameras, bollards, and traffic-calming measures in high-risk areas like Jamaica Avenue.

Mayor Eric Adams, in a statement released Tuesday morning, expressed condolences to the victims' families and vowed to review safety protocols. "This is a senseless loss that underscores the urgency of our efforts to make our streets safer," he said. "We will work with the NYPD and community leaders to prevent future tragedies." Local council member Adrienne Adams, representing the district, echoed these sentiments, announcing plans for a town hall meeting to address traffic concerns.

The crash has also sparked discussions about the vulnerabilities faced by food truck operators in urban environments. Unlike brick-and-mortar restaurants, these mobile businesses often set up in high-traffic zones, exposing workers to risks from erratic drivers. Industry groups like the Street Vendor Project have long advocated for better protections, including designated vending zones with barriers. "Food trucks are the lifeblood of our streets, but without safeguards, they're sitting ducks," said Sean Basinski, director of the organization.

As the investigation proceeds, forensic teams are analyzing the sedan's black box data and surveillance footage from nearby businesses to reconstruct the sequence of events. Speed is believed to have been a primary factor, with estimates suggesting the vehicle was traveling at least 50 mph in a 25 mph zone. Toxicology reports on Thompson are pending, which could influence the charges.

In the wake of the crash, the community has rallied around the victims' families. A GoFundMe campaign for Rahman and Khan's relatives has already raised over $20,000, with donations pouring in from customers and fellow vendors. Gonzalez's family, meanwhile, is planning a vigil to honor her memory as a devoted mother and grandmother.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life on New York City's streets, where the hustle of daily commerce can turn deadly in an instant. As Queens mourns, questions linger about how to balance urban vitality with essential safety measures, ensuring that no more lives are lost to preventable accidents.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/nyregion/queens-car-crash-food-truck-3-killed.html ]