On the morning of New Year’s Day, 2024, a two-vehicle collision on the Cross Island Parkway in Queens, New York, tragically resulted in the loss of five lives. The fatal accident happened near Exit 36S, an area locally referred to as “dead man’s curve” due to its notorious history of deadly accidents.
The crash involved a Mazda sedan, operated by Kazeem Ramsahai, 24, of North Carolina, traveling at a high speed in the northbound direction. Police reports suggest that the Mazda hit a curb and flipped over around 6 a.m., before being hit by a northbound Honda.
The Mazda’s four passengers, identified as Jordy Bentances, 20; Mario Ocampo, 30; Salma Garcia-Diaz, 23; and Dayanara Benitez, 19, were all ejected from the car and declared dead at the scene. The driver, Ramsahai, was found beneath the overturned vehicle and was also confirmed dead.
The Honda’s driver was taken to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital and is in stable condition.
Local residents have long voiced concerns about the safety of this stretch of the Parkway. In an interview with CBS-TV News, Rod Snedecor said, “This is a dead man’s curve. It’s a tight curve, it’s always been. A lot of accidents.” Mike DiMarco, another resident, highlighted the curve’s sharpness and the high speeds at which drivers often approach it.
There is a significant history of accidents at this particular bend. In April 2020, two motorcyclists died in separate incidents within a few days. Kevin Stout, 57, lost control of his motorcycle and was thrown to his death, and NYPD officer Richard Holt died from injuries after a racing car hit his motorcycle. Another motorcyclist died at the same location in June 2018, adding to the safety concerns regarding this stretch of the Parkway.
The New York Police Department’s Collision Investigation Squad is currently investigating the recent crash, and no arrests have been made to date.
Incidents at this location have led to calls for enhanced safety measures. Area residents have requested additional warning signs, especially about the curve. Suggestions have been made for installing blinking lights and more explicit signs to alert drivers of potential hazards.
Residents have urged state and local officials, including Senator Toby Stavisky, to address these safety issues. Proposed solutions range from increased signage and lighting to potential redesigns of the road to improve safety.
