On Friday, November 10, 2023, Maria Rodriguez, a 73-year-old grandmother, was fatally hit by a school bus in Ozone Park, Queens, New York. Rodriguez had just finished dropping off her three granddaughters at school and was on her way home when the accident occurred.
The incident happened at approximately 7:30 a.m. Rodriguez was crossing the street within a marked crosswalk when she was hit by a school bus making a left turn from 86th Street onto 107th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers from the 106th Precinct found Rodriguez unresponsive on the road. Emergency Medical Services declared her deceased at the scene.
During the accident, the school bus had four children onboard, all younger than 12 years old. None of the children were harmed.
The bus was driven by Maria Marte, a 47-year-old resident of East Elmhurst, New York. Marte stayed at the accident site and was later detained. She is charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian and a lack of necessary caution. The NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is thoroughly investigating the details of the accident. The Queens District Attorney’s office has scheduled Marte’s court appearance for November 30.
Rodriguez, fondly remembered by her grandson Joel as the most joyous member of their family, was a central figure in bringing her family together, particularly during holidays like Thanksgiving. Her unexpected passing has deeply shocked and saddened her family and community.
A Dominican immigrant, Rodriguez lived in the Bronx, New York, but was temporarily staying in Queens with her daughter to help with family responsibilities.
