NEW YORK — A tragic incident occurred in Queens, New York on Wednesday afternoon when a truck tragically hit two young brothers, resulting in the death of an 8-year-old boy and injuries to his 10-year-old sibling.
The incident involved a 2005 Nissan pickup truck whose driver, 52-year-old Jose Barcia, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, failing to yield to pedestrians, exercising due care, and speeding. Barcia was also reported as one of the initial callers to 911 after the accident took place.
The fatal accident happened as the boys were crossing 100th Street in East Elmhurst with their mother. The vehicle, attempting a left turn from 31st Avenue, struck the family. NYPD Chief of Transportation Phillip Rivera emphasized the crucial nature of yielding to pedestrians, especially when making turns, stating that due to the driver’s poor decision, a family’s life has been irreversibly changed.
According to witnesses, the pickup truck quickly accelerated from behind them once the traffic light turned green. One witness recounted the mother’s heartbreaking cries upon realizing the devastating reality of her son’s death. The surviving brother was transported to a hospital with injuries to his wrist.
Further reports indicate that the driver has had previous arrests related to driving offenses but maintained a valid driver’s license at the time of the accident.
Source: CBS New York
