Tragedy struck on the Nassau Expressway on September 19 when a highway worker was killed in a hit-and-run incident. The victim, identified as Isabel Alvarez, served as the flag person in an active construction zone when she was hit. According to the Queens District Attorney's Office, the driver, 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai, has been indicted with charges including manslaughter and reckless driving, which could see him facing up to 22 years in prison if convicted.
Queens DA Melinda Katz detailed the horrific events, stating, "As alleged, Isabel Alvarez did not stand a chance when the defendant sped into the highway construction zone and plowed his Infiniti sedan into the flag woman’s body." She pointed out that Budhai did not stop after the accident, instead driving more than a mile before calling emergency services for his own injuries. The evidence was clear at the scene, with the car sporting significant damage and fluorescent markings consistent with Alvarez's safety vest, as per the Queens District Attorney's Office.
The indictment followed swiftly after the incident, with Budhai being arraigned on October 30. The incident, which apparently occurred just before 7:30 a.m., has brought attention to the dangers faced by highway workers. Alvarez was wearing appropriate safety gear and holding a "STOP/SLOW" paddle at the time of the tragedy. The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Vivian Gonzalez with support from ADA Matthew Hauszpigel, will represent the state in seeking justice for the loss of Ms. Alvarez.
