Driver allegedly failed to stop before fatally striking girl in Queens.
A 46-year-old woman allegedly failed to stop fully before striking 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun at Newtown Road and 45th Street in Queens, where the official record logs the fatal crash at 5:49 p.m. on February 17, 2023.
Location reported in Open Data.
What We Know
QNS reported that a 46-year-old woman driving a 2021 Ford Explorer east on Newtown Road allegedly failed to stop fully at 45th Street before striking Dolma Naadhun as she crossed with her mother. QNS reported that Naadhun was pronounced dead at Elmhurst Hospital; the driver remained at the scene and was not arrested. The official record lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. After Naadhun's brother petitioned for a traffic signal, the city announced plans to install one at the intersection.
Police accounts describe the crossing differently.
QNS reported that police investigators said a 46-year-old woman driving a 2021 Ford Explorer east on Newtown Road allegedly did not make a full stop at the stop sign at 45th Street before striking Naadhun, who was crossing with her mother from the northwest corner to the southwest corner.
The New York Post's initial account said Naadhun was in the street but that it was unclear whether she was at the intersection or had the right of way. QNS reported that police took her to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. QNS said the driver remained at the scene, was not arrested, and the investigation was ongoing.
Reports place the crash at different cross streets.
The official record places the crash at Newtown Road and 45th Street in Queens. QNS and Gothamist also identify 45th Street, while the New York Post says the crash was near 46th Street and NY1 identifies 46th Street.
School and family accounts remember Naadhun as welcoming.
QNS reported that Naadhun was a second-grade student at PS85Q in Astoria. School chapter leader Leah Lin and the school community organized a fundraiser for her family's funeral and memorial expenses. The fundraiser described Naadhun as “outgoing and compassionate” and said she greeted every student during morning arrival.
Gothamist reported that Naadhun's 11-year-old brother, Tsering Tashi Takgye, petitioned for a traffic signal. “I miss my sister every second. My family's mission is to make sure this horrible tragedy doesn't happen to any other family,” he wrote. He also said Astoria Heights Playground was his sister's favorite place.
The signal plan followed family advocacy.
Gothamist reported that, after an intersection-control study, the city planned to install a traffic signal at 45th Street and Newtown Road in May. The Department of Transportation said it had improved crosswalk markings and added a curb extension and daylighting. Astoria resident Alex Duncan argued that changes were needed along the wider Newtown Road corridor, not only at one intersection.