Unlicensed driver injures pedestrians in chaotic Queens crash

In a series of troubling incidents in Queens, New York, two separate vehicle-related accidents occurred on Thursday evening, causing injuries to multiple pedestrians. The first incident transpired around 5:30 p.m. at the corner of 37th Street and 35th Avenue in Astoria. A 35-year-old woman, Salmata Bah, driving a Nissan Versa, lost control of her vehicle and veered onto the sidewalk, striking two young girls aged 7 and 14, as well as a 58-year-old man. Consequently, the younger girl sustained severe injuries, including a broken femur and a head injury, while the older girl and the man suffered leg injuries. Notably, witnesses reported chaotic scenes where two of the injured were placed on stretchers, with police arriving to secure the area and detain Bah. Following the incident, Salmata Bah was taken into custody for driving without a license, and later charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and driving without a license, a serious legal repercussion of her actions. The Highway Collision Investigation Squad commenced an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to the loss of control of her vehicle. Bah’s erratic driving led to significant concern and confusion among bystanders, which underscores the dangers posed by unlicensed drivers on the road. The second incident unfolded just after 7 p.m. that same night, at Lefferts Avenue and Liberty Boulevard in South Ozone Park. Here, a 79-year-old woman lost control while attempting to navigate a left turn onto Liberty Avenue and swerved to avoid another vehicle, ultimately sideswiping a parked city bus. Subsequently, she drove onto the curb, colliding with four women who were standing at a bus shelter. These women, aged between 18 and 70, were also taken to a local hospital, although fortunately, all injuries were classified as non-life-threatening. The driver, along with two passengers in her vehicle and two bus passengers, also required hospitalization due to the incident. In both occurrences, swift medical attention was provided to all injured parties, illustrating the immediacy of response in urban settings. The string of pedestrian injuries on the same day raised community concerns regarding vehicle safety and the need for stricter regulations on drivers without licenses, drawing attention to the broader implications of road safety in densely populated areas like Queens. As investigations proceed, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and advocate for safer driving practices and stricter enforcement of vehicle operation laws. In light of these incidents, both drivers will face legal consequences as authorities aim to mitigate the risks of future accidents involving pedestrians, stressing the importance of responsible driving practices among all vehicle operators in New York City.