On the first day of 2024, a devastating two-car collision occurred on the Cross Island Parkway in Queens, New York, resulting in five fatalities. The crash happened near Exit 36S, an area notorious for its high number of deadly incidents and known locally as “dead man’s curve.”
The collision involved a Mazda sedan driven by 24-year-old Kazeem Ramsahai from North Carolina, who was traveling northbound at a high speed. After striking a curb, the vehicle flipped over around 6 a.m. A northbound Honda subsequently crashed into the overturned Mazda.
The four adult passengers in the Mazda, identified as Jordy Bentances, 20; Mario Ocampo, 30; Salma Garcia-Diaz, 23; Dayanara Benitez, and driver Kazeem Ramsahai, were all ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Ramsahai was found beneath the Mazda.
The Honda’s driver was taken to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
Residents in the area have long expressed safety concerns about this stretch of road. In an interview with CBS-TV News, local resident Rod Snedecor referred to the area as a “dead man’s curve” due to its tightness and history of accidents. Another resident, Mike DiMarco, highlighted the curve’s sharpness and the high speeds at which vehicles typically approach it.
The high frequency of accidents at this curve is alarming. In April 2020, two motorcyclists died in separate incidents within days of each other. Kevin Stout, 57, lost control of his motorcycle and was fatally ejected. In another incident, NYPD officer Richard Holt sustained fatal injuries after his motorcycle was clipped by a drag racing car. A motorcyclist also lost their life at Exit 36 in June 2018, further underscoring concerns regarding this section of the parkway.
The New York Police Department’s Collision Investigation Squad is currently investigating the New Year’s Day incident. No arrests have been made so far.
Accidents at this location have led to calls for improved safety measures. Locals have requested additional warning signs, particularly to alert drivers to the curve. Suggestions include the installation of blinking lights and clearer signage to better warn drivers of the potential hazard.
State and local authorities, including area Senator Toby Stavisky, are being urged to address these safety concerns. Proposals range from increased signage and lighting to possible roadway redesigns for enhanced safety.
