Memorial Day turned grim in Fresh Meadows when a 22-year-old driver was arrested after allegedly causing two collisions at Francis Lewis Boulevard and Union Turnpike that left two elderly pedestrians injured, police said. A 71-year-old woman suffered severe head trauma and was listed in critical condition at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, while a 70-year-old man sustained minor injuries and was reported in stable condition. Officers said the driver was taken into custody at the scene of a second crash and faces at least a charge of leaving the scene.
As reported by QNS, officers from the 107th Precinct responded to a 911 call just after 7:45 p.m. on Memorial Day for a multi-vehicle collision at the intersection. Investigators said the chain reaction began when a 2013 Toyota Prius driven by 22-year-old Dawood Faisal allegedly ran a steady red signal while heading southbound and slammed into a 2023 Nissan Rogue and a 2026 Mercedes-Benz. The impact sent the Rogue into two pedestrians who were crossing in a marked crosswalk.
Scene and response
Emergency crews, including Queens Hatzolah and EMS, rushed to the intersection as traffic ground to a halt. Witnesses reported responders performing resuscitation efforts on at least one person. A live update posted by The Yeshiva World said one patient was in traumatic arrest while first responders worked to stabilize the victims.
Investigation and charges
The NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad later determined that the Prius driver caused the chain-reaction crash, according to police. Officers arrested him at the scene of a second nearby collision, then booked him at the 107th Precinct on a charge of leaving the scene. Police told QNS that additional charges were pending as detectives continued to build the case.
Why it matters
Crashes like this highlight how vulnerable pedestrians are - especially older adults - along high-volume Queens boulevards where higher speeds and long crossings can quickly turn dangerous. According to NYC DOT, overall traffic deaths have declined in recent years, helped by street redesigns and stepped-up enforcement. Even so, officials say targeted safety measures are still crucial on priority corridors.
The investigation remains active, and prosecutors are expected to review the NYPD case file before any formal court filings. As more details emerge, neighbors and local officials may renew calls for safety improvements at the intersection.
