A tragedy unfolded in Brooklyn on Tuesday afternoon when a 66-year-old woman was struck and killed by a pickup truck while pushing her 2-year-old granddaughter in a stroller. The driver of the truck, identified as 56-year-old Faheem Shabazz, has been charged with failure to yield, according to police reports.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. in the neighborhood of Bath Beach. Shabazz was behind the wheel of a 2022 Dodge Ram on 25th Avenue when he made a left turn onto Bath Avenue and collided with the woman, later identified as Xia Ying Chen, who was in the crosswalk at the time. Chen suffered severe head trauma and was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, but unfortunately, she could not be saved.
Despite the tragedy, there was some miraculous news amidst the devastation. Chen's 2-year-old granddaughter, who was also in the stroller, miraculously escaped with only scrapes and bruises. She was immediately taken to Maimonides Medical Center, where she was listed in stable condition. It was a small glimmer of hope in a heartbreaking situation.
Shabazz, the truck driver, remained at the scene of the accident until the police arrived. He now faces two counts of failure to yield to a pedestrian. After being charged, he was released with a desk appearance ticket. The exact date of his court appearance is yet to be determined.
The victim, Chen, lived just over a mile away from the crash site, while Shabazz resides in East Flatbush. Photos from the scene revealed the aftermath of the tragic incident, with items from the grandmother-granddaughter outing scattered across the roadway. Among the debris were a pink mesh bag, a beige hat, a tiny blue shoe, and the blue stroller itself.
The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is currently investigating the crash. It remains unclear whether Shabazz will face further criminal charges, as both he and the vehicle were properly licensed. Sobriety testing is also underway, according to police sources.
This devastating incident serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for drivers to be vigilant and cautious on the roads. The Brooklyn community mourns the loss of Xia Ying Chen and sends their thoughts and prayers to her family during this incredibly difficult time.
