Tragedy in Midwood: 73-Year-Old Woman Fatally Struck by Jeep
Fatal Accident at Avenue L and East 12th Street
A 73-year-old woman, Chana Layosh, was fatally struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee at the intersection of Avenue L and East 12th Street in Midwood on Sunday. According to police, Layosh was crossing the street near the Bais Horoa of Flatbush when she was hit by the vehicle, which was traveling eastbound and making a right turn just after 5:30 p.m.
Investigation Ongoing
Paramedics rushed Layosh to Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The 57-year-old driver of the Jeep remained at the scene, and no charges or arrests were made as of Monday morning. The investigation is ongoing by the NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad.
Wider Context: Rising Pedestrian Deaths in New York City
New York City saw several serious car crashes over the holiday weekend, with three pedestrians, including Layosh, killed by drivers, and all three aged 60 or above. Two additional crashes left victims critically injured, including one in Brooklyn, where a motorcyclist was hospitalized after a hit-and-run.
Citywide, pedestrian deaths are up more than 15% year-over-year, with 105 pedestrians killed in traffic incidents. In Brooklyn, pedestrian deaths are up 36% year-over-year, with 34 pedestrians killed across the borough. Many of these crashes have involved large SUVs and trucks – including delivery and dump trucks.
Call to Action
"New York is failing its residents – particularly those most vulnerable on our streets," said Transportation Alternatives deputy executive director Philip Miatkowski. "The alarming increase in pedestrian fatalities and the deadly role of SUVs should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. We must act now. Our elected officials from City Hall to Albany need to prioritize safety and pass meaningful legislation that protects our communities. This includes daylighting intersections with curb extensions, and implementing lower speed limits to create safer streets for everyone."
FAQs
Q: What happened in the accident?
A: A 73-year-old woman, Chana Layosh, was fatally struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee at the intersection of Avenue L and East 12th Street in Midwood on Sunday.
Q: Who was involved in the accident?
A: The driver of the Jeep, a 57-year-old man, remained at the scene, and no charges or arrests were made as of Monday morning.
Q: What is the current situation with pedestrian deaths in New York City?
A: Citywide, pedestrian deaths are up more than 15% year-over-year, with 105 pedestrians killed in traffic incidents. In Brooklyn, pedestrian deaths are up 36% year-over-year, with 34 pedestrians killed across the borough.
Q: What can be done to address the issue of pedestrian deaths in New York City?
A: Transportation Alternatives deputy executive director Philip Miatkowski recommends that elected officials prioritize safety and pass meaningful legislation that protects communities, including daylighting intersections with curb extensions, and implementing lower speed limits to create safer streets for everyone.
