Horrific video captured the moment a 13-year-old boy riding on the back of a motorized scooter in Queens was killed after his teen companion plowed into an open car door, launching both boys beneath a passing delivery truck.
Background
The deadly crash occurred around 11:36 a.m. Monday on 162nd Street in Flushing when a Honda Pilot pulled up and parked in front of a supermarket, according to footage obtained by the New York Post. Approximately 30 seconds later, another 13-year-old boy operating the motorized scooter raced past with his friend as the SUV's driver-side door swung open into traffic.
The impact sent both youths airborne, hurling them directly into the path of a passing delivery truck that had been circling the block searching for parking. The truck rolled over the scooter as the young passenger lay motionless on the pavement and his friend became pinned underneath the vehicle.
"Ay, No!" one horrified witness screamed upon seeing the crash unfold, according to the footage. Another bystander rushed to perform chest compressions on the victim while shouting for someone to call 911.
The Investigation
Police said both teens were transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where the passenger succumbed to his injuries. His friend was listed in stable condition and managed to crawl out from beneath the truck before staggering away in shock.
The SUV driver remained at the scene when officers arrived. Witnesses offered conflicting accounts of responsibility—one local business owner suggested the scooter's speed exceeded that of the truck, while another bystander placed blame on whoever provided the minors with an unlicensed motorized vehicle.
"The real murderer was the one who gave the kids the moped," one witness told the Post. "They're both 13. You know they didn't buy that. They don't have licenses."
Another witness criticized the SUV driver for opening the door without checking mirrors in heavy traffic, though that individual maintained the truck driver bore no fault.
"We are adults. We should look before we open the door in a tight traffic situation like this," the witness said. "It is summertime and there is no school."
Key Takeaways
- The 13-year-old passenger died at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital after the scooter struck an open car door and both boys were thrown under a delivery truck.
- The scooter driver, also 13 years old, survived and was listed in stable condition.
- No arrests have been made as police continue investigating the crash that occurred on 162nd Street in Flushing, Queens.
- The Honda Pilot driver who opened the door remained at the scene; the delivery truck driver had been searching for parking when the collision occurred.
What's Next
The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is handling the inquiry. Investigators are reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses to determine whether criminal charges are warranted in connection with the crash that killed the 13-year-old scooter passenger.