Two Pedestrians Killed in Brooklyn Hit-and-Run
Introduction to the Incident
A view of Third Avenue under the Gowanus Expressway in Sunset Park, Brooklyn where two pedestrians were killed in a hit-and-run.
A view of Third Avenue under the Gowanus Expressway in Sunset Park, Brooklyn where two pedestrians were killed in a hit-and-run.
Photo by Google Street View
Two men were struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver early Friday in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood, police said.
Details of the Accident
The victims, ages 80 and 59, were crossing the intersection of 52nd Street and Third Avenue, under the Gowanus Expressway, around 4:20 a.m. when they were hit by a dark-colored BMW sedan, according to the NYPD.
A preliminary investigation by the department’s Collision Investigation Squad found the vehicle was traveling south on Third Avenue when it struck the pedestrians and sped away.
Aftermath and Investigation
EMS pronounced both men dead at the scene. Their identities are being withheld pending family notification. Authorities have not said whether the victims knew each other.
Police added that the driver who fled the scene has yet to be caught, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Safety Concerns and Statistics
Over the past five years, the three-block radius around the site of Friday’s fatal crash has seen 59 collisions resulting in about 80 injuries, data from CrashMapper shows. Of those injured, 65 were motorists, while the rest were pedestrians and cyclists. Three of the crashes were fatal, killing two drivers and one pedestrian.
Police recorded 10 hit-and-run incidents across the five boroughs in the first quarter of 2025, most of which remain unsolved, according to the NYPD’s quarterly leaving-the-scene report.
Citywide Traffic Collision Data
Separately, traffic collisions have killed 97 people citywide through July 7, NYPD data shows. That figure represents a 28.7% decrease in fatal crashes compared to the same period last year.
Conclusion
The tragic incident highlights the ongoing concern of hit-and-run accidents and the importance of road safety. It is crucial for drivers to be vigilant and responsible, and for authorities to continue their efforts in preventing such accidents and bringing perpetrators to justice.
FAQs
What happened in the incident?
Two pedestrians, ages 80 and 59, were killed by a hit-and-run driver in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at the intersection of 52nd Street and Third Avenue, under the Gowanus Expressway.
What was the vehicle involved in the accident?
A dark-colored BMW sedan was involved in the accident.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation remains ongoing, and the driver who fled the scene has yet to be caught.
How many fatal crashes have occurred citywide through July 7?
97 people have been killed in traffic collisions citywide through July 7, according to NYPD data.
