Queens, NY (August 17, 2025) – A serious vehicle accident on the Cross Island Parkway near Bell Blvd late Saturday night resulted in a car fire and left one person with a severe head injury, prompting a full emergency response and temporary closure of all lanes.
First responders, including paramedics and NYPD units from the 109th and 111th Precincts, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a vehicle fully engulfed in flames on the northbound Cross Island Parkway. The incident was reported around 10:50 p.m., with all occupants safely removed from the vehicle prior to fire suppression efforts.
Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision. One individual suffered a serious head injury and was treated at the scene before being transported for advanced medical care. The FDNY extinguished the fire quickly, and officers managed traffic as emergency personnel secured the scene.
All lanes of the Cross Island Parkway were closed temporarily while crews addressed the fire and injuries. Authorities coordinated a counterflow route to facilitate emergency vehicle access and began reopening lanes once the scene was stabilized.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by local law enforcement.
Our thoughts are with the injured individual and their loved ones during this difficult time.
Vehicle Fires and Head Injuries: A High-Risk Combination in Urban Crashes
Collisions that lead to vehicle fires are among the most hazardous types of road incidents. In a densely populated area like Queens, crashes on highways such as the Cross Island Parkway can escalate rapidly due to high speeds, limited space, and delayed emergency access. When fire and traumatic injuries are both present, quick action from multiple agencies is crucial to saving lives.
Head injuries sustained in vehicle accidents—especially those involving fire—require immediate stabilization and trauma care. Even when occupants are able to exit the vehicle, the force of impact can result in concussions, skull fractures, or internal bleeding.
Drivers are urged to maintain safe speeds and allow sufficient following distance on highways. If you witness or experience a crash involving fire, call emergency services immediately, stay clear of the vehicle, and do not attempt to extinguish the fire without proper training and equipment.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
