A cyclist was tragically killed in Queens on Saturday when he was hit by a firetruck from the New York City Fire Department’s (FDNY) Rescue Company 4, one of the department’s most prestigious units. The incident occurred while the firetruck was responding to a call, according to law enforcement officials.
The victim, a man believed to be in his 50s, was fatally struck by the firetruck near a park. The impact was so severe that the man’s body was found trapped under the massive vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Images from the scene showed sheets draped over the rear wheels of the firetruck, where the victim’s body was still lodged. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Middle Village, Queens, as the firetruck was making a turn onto Juniper Boulevard, adjacent to Juniper Valley Park.
According to police sources, the firetruck had its lights and sirens activated at the time of the incident, which occurred shortly after 4 p.m. The cyclist reportedly emerged from behind a parked car and collided with the side of the firetruck, ending up beneath its rear wheels.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing two firefighters at the scene, one of whom appeared visibly shaken. Miguel Vega, a local resident, recounted his encounter with the distressed firefighter. “We stopped at the red light and there was the FDNY truck,” Vega said. “And there were two firefighters standing on the road. One of them seemed concerned, like shaken, like shocked. I just feel so bad for everyone. For the people in the fire truck, the families involved, everyone.”
Rescue Company 4, established in 1931, is considered one of the FDNY’s most elite units. The company has a storied history, having lost eight firefighters while responding to the World Trade Center attacks on September 11th.
An investigation into the tragic incident is currently underway.