News Summary

A tragic hit-and-run incident in Queens resulted in the death of a construction worker, Isabel Alvarez, who was directing traffic. The driver, 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai, fled the scene but was later apprehended. Budhai faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and reckless driving. The community mourns the loss of Alvarez, a dedicated worker with 15 years of experience, who had previously expressed concerns about reckless drivers in the area. The incident highlights ongoing safety issues for construction workers.

Queens: Driver Arrested in Hit-and-Run That Killed Construction Worker

In a tragic incident on Friday morning, a construction worker was struck and killed in a hit-and-run collision while directing traffic in Queens. Isabel Alvarez, a 44-year-old from the Bronx, was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders after being hit around 7:30 a.m. near the eastbound Nassau Expressway and Exit 1N.

According to authorities, Alvarez was standing in a designated safety zone when she was struck by a vehicle traveling at a high speed. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai, was behind the wheel of a 2018 Infiniti Q50S and fled the scene after the collision. Budhai was apprehended shortly afterwards near South Conduit Avenue and 134th Street.

Budhai was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with minor injuries to his right hand and has been charged with several offenses including assault, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, and menacing.

Community Shock and Mourning

The local community is in shock and mourning following this fatal incident. Family and co-workers have come forward to remember Alvarez as a selfless and dedicated worker. With around 15 years of experience in the construction industry, she was also in the process of building a vacation home for her mother in El Salvador.

Prior to her death, Alvarez had expressed concerns about reckless drivers in the area, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by construction workers. She had been filling in for a co-worker at the time of the accident.

Response from Officials

Marie Therese Dominguez, the New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner, issued a statement emphasizing the critical importance of safety in work zones and extending condolences to Alvarez’s family. The agency reiterated the need for all drivers to be vigilant and respectful of construction areas to protect workers.

Investigation Ongoing

The New York Police Department’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by construction workers and the need for improved safety measures in work zones.

Authorities continue to urge drivers to exhibit caution and respect for the safety of those working on the roadways, particularly in construction zones where workers are often exposed to traffic dangers.

The community is left reeling from the loss of Isabel Alvarez, whose life was tragically cut short while she was performing her duties to ensure the safety of others. Her death highlights the urgent need for better awareness and protective measures for workers on roadways across the city.

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Additional Resources

• ABC7 NY
• Wikipedia: Hit and Run
• QNS
• Google Search: hit and run incidents Queens
• NY Daily News
• Google Scholar: construction worker safety Queens
• QNS
• Encyclopedia Britannica: traffic safety
• Audacy
• Google News: moped hit and run Queens

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.