In Williamsburg on Tuesday afternoon, a tragic incident occurred when a driver fatally struck a 10-year-old girl—the second young pedestrian fatality since the start of the school year. The accident involving a Buick sedan took place around 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of Wallabout Street and Wythe Avenue, according to NYPD officials.
The vehicle involved was previously recorded by speed cameras for 11 speeding infractions since 2014, indicating a history of reckless driving. Officials have yet to disclose whether the 62-year-old driver, who remained at the scene, will face charges.
Police details on the crash are minimal at this time. The busy intersection where the collision occurred is surrounded by several schools and the Classon Playground, indicating a high presence of minors in the vicinity. With multiple roadway segments converging near this intersection, the area has been subjected to 42 reported accidents since 2019, resulting in injuries to both pedestrians and cyclists. This calls into question the safety of these streets, especially for the area’s youth and elderly.
The nearby Brooklyn-Queens Expressway’s entrance and exits, along with the complicated street layout, contribute to the traffic congestion that plagues the intersection.
Source: Streetsblog New York City