News Summary
A hit-and-run incident in Queens has resulted in the death of Isabel Alvarez, a 44-year-old construction worker from the Bronx. Alvarez was directing traffic on Nassau Expressway when she was struck by Daveanand Budhai, who fled the scene but was later arrested. Budhai faces multiple charges as the investigation highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in work zones to protect public workers. Alvarez, known for her dedication, worked in construction for 15 years and was an important figure in her community.
Queens, NY – A tragic hit-and-run incident on Friday morning claimed the life of a 44-year-old construction worker from the Bronx. Isabel Alvarez was directing traffic near the eastbound Nassau Expressway, at Exit 1N when she was struck and killed by a vehicle driven by 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai, who was later arrested in connection with the incident.
The collision occurred around 7:30 a.m. while Alvarez was standing in a designated safety zone between the exit ramp and the eastbound lanes of the expressway. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Budhai was reportedly driving a 2018 Infiniti Q50S at a high rate of speed when he struck Alvarez. After the collision, he fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterward near South Conduit Avenue and 134th Street. He was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries to his right hand and reported to be in stable condition.
Following the incident, Budhai faces multiple charges, including assault, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, and menacing. The charges reflect the serious nature of his actions and the resulting consequences.
In light of this tragedy, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez expressed condolences for Alvarez’s family and emphasized the imperative need for public safety in work zones. The incident has reignited discussions around the safety measures necessary to protect construction workers who often work in potentially hazardous environments.
Alvarez, who had worked in construction for approximately 15 years, was well-known in her community for her dedication and selflessness. She had recently taken on additional responsibilities in a temporary role to cover for a co-worker, a decision that ultimately led her to this tragic fate. Friends and family are mourning her unexpected loss, with many highlighting her commitment to her job and her desire to build a better life, including a vacation home for her mother in El Salvador.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for drivers to be vigilant and respect work zones. The New York City Police Department’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is continuing to investigate the case, aiming to uncover more details surrounding the events that led to Alvarez’s death. The community’s grief underscores the impact of road safety on public workers and the critical importance of ensuring their protection while they perform essential services on roadways.
The loss of Isabel Alvarez highlights a broader systemic issue regarding the safety of construction workers. Authorities remind all drivers to remain alert in work zones and to prioritize the safety of those who are working tirelessly to improve infrastructure.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 NY
- Wikipedia: Hit and Run
- QNS
- Google Search: hit and run incidents Queens
- NY Daily News
- Google Scholar: construction worker safety Queens
- QNS
- Encyclopedia Britannica: traffic safety
- Audacy
- Google News: moped hit and run Queens
