Isabel Alvarez Obituary, Death; – Authorities have apprehended and charged a motorist involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a female construction worker who was directing traffic in Queens.
The tragic collision occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Friday on the Nassau Expressway at the Van Wyck Expressway.
As reported by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad, 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai was operating a 2018 Infiniti Q50S at a high speed when he collided with the female construction flagger. At the time of the incident, the woman was positioned in a safety zone situated between the exit ramp and the eastbound lanes of the Nassau Expressway, according to police.
Emergency responders declared the victim deceased at the scene. She was subsequently identified as Isabel Alvarez, 44, from the Bronx.
Budhai did not stay at the scene of the accident and was found shortly thereafter near South Conduit Avenue and 134th Street. He was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition and was later taken into custody.
Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, released a statement following the tragic event.
“I express my gratitude to our partners at the New York City Police Department for their swift action in locating and apprehending the suspected driver. The investigation will proceed, but our thoughts are currently with our fallen colleague, her family, her co-workers, and all members of our New York State DOT team who are affected by this tragedy,” Dominguez stated in part.
“Every day, our workers put their lives on the line for the sake of highway safety. Today’s unfortunate fatality serves as a poignant reminder to the traveling public to reduce speed, move over, remain vigilant, respect work zones, and ensure the safety of all our workers.”
Budhai is facing several charges, including assault, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving, among other offenses.
