A 13-year-old boy has died after the motorized scooter he was riding on as a passenger collided with a truck in Queens when the teen driver swerved to avoid an open car door, police said.
The fatal crash occurred around 12:40 p.m. Monday on 162nd Street near 45th Avenue in Flushing, according to the NYPD. The scooter, operated by another 13-year-old boy, was traveling southbound when a motorist stepped out of a parked vehicle, authorities said.
Background
Investigators say the young scooter driver attempted to dodge the open car door but lost control during the evasive maneuver. The sudden swerve caused the vehicle to collide with a truck that was also heading south on 162nd Street, police explained.
The passenger on the scooter fell into the roadway and made contact with the rear wheels of the truck, according to law enforcement sources. Both teens were immediately transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital following the collision.
The Investigation
The victim was pronounced dead at the hospital after succumbing to his injuries, authorities said. The scooter driver was listed in stable condition and remained hospitalized as of Monday evening, according to NYPD officials.
The truck driver involved in the crash stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, police said. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and the investigation remains active.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses to piece together the exact sequence of events leading up to the tragedy. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is handling the probe.
Key Takeaways
- The victim was a 13-year-old boy riding as a passenger on a motorized scooter operated by another 13-year-old
- The crash occurred at approximately 12:40 p.m. Monday in Flushing, Queens near 162nd Street and 45th Avenue
- The scooter driver swerved to avoid an open car door from a parked vehicle before colliding with a truck
- Both teens were taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital where the passenger died of his injuries
- The scooter driver was listed in stable condition; no arrests have been made as the investigation continues
What's Next
The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad will continue examining physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions. Detectives are expected to interview the truck driver, the parked car occupant, and any witnesses who may have observed the incident.
Authorities have not indicated whether criminal charges are being considered as the investigation remains in its early stages. The Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause of death.