ASTORIA, Queens — A tragic crash early Tuesday morning claimed three lives after a car slammed into a parked coffee truck and two men standing nearby in Astoria, Queens.
The incident occurred just after 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of 19th Avenue and 42nd Street. Authorities say an 84-year-old man driving a Toyota Corolla lost control and struck the coffee truck as well as two pedestrians.
The driver was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The two men, aged 41 and 70, were standing near the truck when the vehicle struck them. The 41-year-old victim died at the scene, while the 70-year-old was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Toyota was speeding prior to the crash. After hitting the coffee truck, the vehicle spun around and collided with a Volvo sedan attempting a U-turn.
The coffee truck’s owner said he had just been closing up when he heard screeching tires. “I must have had an angel on my shoulder,” he said, recalling how he moved out of the way just in time to avoid injury. He also noted that he personally knew one of the victims — a local tire shop owner well-regarded for his generosity and commitment to the community.
Police are continuing their investigation into the crash. No further information has been released at this time.