Elderly Man Hit By Van In Borough Park Dies

An elderly man who was hit by a van yesterday on New Utrecht Avenue near 49th Street in Borough Park has died.

The man was crossing New Utrecht Avenue near 12th Avenue and 50th street at 12:30 p.m., when he was hit by a van traveling north, reports DNAinfo.

From DNAinfo:

The driver, 59, who would not give his name, told DNAinfo he was driving north on New Utrecht Avenue with his 25-year-old son when the man suddenly stepped into the street in front of him. He was unable to brake in time.

The motorist said he stopped and ran out to check on the man who was “moving a little bit” before being taken away by the ambulance.

The pedestrian was rushed to Maimonides Hospital by a Hatzolah ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver was not charged.

A bystander who lives in the area told reporters that the confusing three-street intersection presents a danger to pedestrians.

“You can’t see [who has] the right of way,” said Harriet Lebabics, 56, who has lived in the neighborhood for 24 years. “When I have to cross it’s like I’m taking my life into my hands.”