Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Carnage

Box Truck Driver Kills Man at Dangerous Ocean Parkway Intersection

The scene at a fatal collision at Church Avenue and Ocean Parkway. Photo: Sam Polcer/Twitter

A turning box truck driver struck and killed a man walking across Ocean Parkway at Church Avenue last night. Available evidence suggests the victim had the right-of-way, but NYPD filed no charges.

Police said the driver, 57, was headed for the Prospect Expressway on westbound Church Avenue at around 9:30 p.m. when he turned right onto Ocean Parkway and struck and killed the victim, whom police have yet to identify.

Five years ago, a turning tractor-trailer driver killed 73-year-old Ngozi Agbim at the same intersection. Afterward, state DOT implemented safety improvements, including a pedestrian island on the north side of the intersection, where Agbim was struck.

The location remains treacherous, with wide streets carrying large volumes of traffic bound for the highway. Since Agbim was killed, 17 people are injured in traffic injuries at this location each year, including four pedestrians, according to city data.

The state DOT is currently implementing $8.5 million in safety improvements on the length of Ocean Parkway, including new pedestrian countdown clocks, upgraded street markings, and turn restrictions at dangerous intersections.

Some local elected officials trying their best to impede these efforts. Last year, State Senator Simcha Felder tried to force the city to increase the speed limit on Ocean Parkway from 25 mph to 30 mph. In 2016, Assembly Member Dov Hikind and Public Advocates Letitia James came out against the right turn bans included in state DOT's proposal.

The fatal collision occurred in the City Council district represented by Brad Lander and in the NYPD's 66th Precinct. You can share your thoughts on pedestrian safety in the district at the precinct's next community council meeting, held at 7:30 p.m. on March 15 at 5910 13th Avenue.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Christmas Sockings: Carl Heastie and Andrea Stewart-Cousins Say ‘No’ to Better Transit

The transit world is reeling this week after the two legislative leaders put a block on the MTA's capital plan.

December 26, 2024

Streetsies 2024: Vote For This Year’s Biggest Failures

Overall, it was a pretty sad year. But what was the city and state's worst failures? You get to vote!

December 26, 2024

Streetsies 2024: Vote for this Year’s Best Livable Streets Projects

This year had some bright spots for livable streets projects. Here are the ones that stood out.

December 26, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Christmukkah Edition

We took yesterday off to celebrate the many holidays and to see the new Bob Dylan movie. But there was lots of news.

December 26, 2024

On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement

Here's a short, heartwarming film about the successes experienced this year by the livable streets movement.

December 25, 2024
See all posts