Queens, NY — An early morning in Queens turned tragic when a 73-year-old woman was fatally struck by a school bus while walking in the Ozone Park neighborhood. The New York Police Department confirmed the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Friday at the intersection of 107th Ave. and 86th St.
Maria Rodriguez had just completed her routine of escorting her young nieces to school when she was fatally struck. Joel Rodriguez, her grandson, remembered her as the family’s most cheerful member, often the one to bring everyone together for occasions such as Thanksgiving. The community now faces the challenge of moving forward after the sudden loss of a figure known for her joy and familial dedication.
The incident took place in front of a local resident’s home, who reported hearing the collision. The presence of children on the bus, who were unharmed, added to the morning’s distress. The bus driver, 47-year-old Maria Marte, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
As the neighborhood grapples with this loss, the Queens District Attorney’s Office is preparing for the court proceedings set for the end of November. This case has not only brought sorrow to the Rodriguez family but also raises concerns about pedestrian safety and traffic management in the bustling borough.