An incident unfolded in Queens yesterday afternoon when a cyclist was struck and killed by an FDNY truck. The FDNY vehicle was turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street in Middle Village when the collision occurred, claiming the life of an adult male cyclist who was pronounced dead at the scene, as reported by ABC7 New York.
Further details emerged in a New York Post report, indicating that the accident took place just outside Juniper Valley Park and involved a firetruck from Rescue Company 4. The firetruck was responding to a call, with lights and sirens on, when the cyclist, later revealed to be a man in his 50s, came out from behind a car and was to suddenly ram into the side of the firetruck, leading to his death beneath its rear wheels.
The NYPD has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is now underway. The identity of the cyclist has not been immediately released as officials continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter. Police have yet to provide additional information about the events leading up to the collision or about any potential factors that may have contributed to the incident.
According to eyewitness Miguel Vega, who recounted his experience to the New York Post, "We stopped at the red light and there was the FDNY truck," Vega shared. "And there were two firefighters standing on the road. One of them seemed concerned, like shaken, like shocked," he said. Vega also expressed his condolences, stating, "I just feel so bad for everyone. For the people in the fire truck, the families involved, everyone."
Rescue Company 4, the unit involved in the incident, holds historical significance as one of the FDNY's long-established and highly regarded units, founded in 1931. The company lost eight firefighters during the September 11 attacks, according to the New York Post. An ongoing investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
