Queens, NY (March 11, 2026) – A 31-year-old woman died after being struck by a dump truck on Tuesday, March 10, at the intersection of Metropolitan Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard.
Emergency units responded to the scene after reports of a crash involving a city dump truck and a pedestrian. Officials said a 2017 Mack dump truck was traveling east on Metropolitan Avenue when the driver attempted to turn right onto Lefferts Boulevard. During the turn, the truck struck 31-year-old Nilufar Komilova of Queens. She suffered severe injuries to her head and torso and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said the truck driver remained at the location following the incident. Additional details about the events leading up to the collision have not been released.
The police continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Turning Truck Crashes Can Be Dangerous for Pedestrians
Large trucks require wider turns than passenger vehicles. When a truck turns at an intersection, its length and turning radius can create blind spots beside the truck that the driver may not fully see.
These blind spots can make it difficult to detect pedestrians or cyclists traveling near the vehicle’s side. As the truck turns, people near the vehicle may be in the path of the wheels.
Busy city intersections can also increase risk because pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles are often moving in several directions at once. Traffic signals and crosswalks are designed to help manage this movement.
Many cities have introduced safety features on municipal trucks, including cameras, side guards, and sensors. These tools are intended to improve driver awareness and help reduce the risk of serious crashes involving large vehicles.