A teenager was fatally struck by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon while crossing a street in Queens, the NYPD said.
Police said a 16-year-old girl and 8-year-old girl, who were sisters, were struck by a delivery truck that was making a right turn from 47th Avenue onto 46th Street just before 3:30 p.m.
The truck had the green light, according to police.
The driver stopped a block away and was overheard saying he didn’t know he hit them, officials said. After the crash, he went on and made a delivery at a bodega.
The 16-year-old girl was declared dead at the scene, police said. The 8-year-old girl was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and is in stable condition, according to police.
The 8-year-old has injuries to her head and leg, which are to be life-threatening, according to officials.
“It was tough to see that,” Justin Castilo, a student, said.
It was the last day of classes at I.S. 125. — a school on the block where the crash occurred.
Students like Castilo were picking up their diplomas after graduating.
“When I saw the mother, I almost started crying myself. I had to leave after that and go for a walk around,” he said.
In a statement, a Department of Education spokesperson says, “Our thoughts are with the victims of this horrible accident and their family. We are offering support to the school community as they support each other during this time.”
Several community members gathered near the crime scene.
“I feel worried because it is a drastic tragedy and yes, I feel, as I say, at that moment I was shocked. I didn’t know whether to take care of the children. But since my wife was with me, she stayed there and I came chasing to see if I could find the truck or the van that was there,” Queens resident Orlando Diaz said.
According to officials, the driver is in police custody.
It’s unclear what charges he may face, officials said. Investigation is ongoing.