Five Fatalities in Cross Island Parkway Crash, Queens

TL/DR –

Five people died in a car crash on Cross Island Parkway in New York’s borough of Queens on a notorious stretch known as “Dead Man’s Curve”. A Mazda SUV carrying five people collided with a Honda Pilot in the northbound lane, resulting in all five occupants of the Mazda being pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, but neighbors have called for additional warning signs along the dangerous curve to prevent future accidents.

Investigation Underway Following Deadly Crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens

Police are investigating a deadly crash that claimed five lives on the Cross Island Parkway in Queens early Monday morning. The horrific accident was caught on a nearby surveillance camera just before dawn, which showed an overturned Mazda SUV.

“The crash was earth-shattering. Metal was crunching,” neighbor Frank Steele said. Fellow resident Edith Caruso expressed similar concerns, stating it’s a common accident spot. “You pray when you hear the crash, hoping no one is dead,” she said.

Tragically, all five occupants in the Mazda were pronounced dead at the scene. Police report that at least three of the adult passengers were found outside of the vehicle.

The accident occurred in the northbound lane of the Cross Island Parkway near the Whitestone Expressway, close to Exit 36 South. The male driver of a white Honda Pilot collided with the Mazda. The Honda’s driver was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

View the CBS report on the Cross Island Parkway crash

Many neighbors regard the bend where the accident took place as notoriously dangerous. “This is dead man’s curve,” stated Rod Snedecor. “It’s tight and notorious for accidents.”

Despite a 25 mph speed limit sign, locals argue the curve unexpectedly creeps up on drivers. “If you don’t know the curve is there, you’re going to speed,” said Whitestone resident Gene Crowley. Residents suggest more warning signs are needed to prevent future accidents.

The northbound lanes at the curve were closed for seven hours as police conducted their investigation. Traffic was diverted to Exit 36 North.

Details regarding the victims’ identities and the speed at which the cars were traveling are not yet available. Police are still determining who is at fault.

Watch CBS’s follow-up report on the Cross Island Parkway accident

—
Read More US News