Driver Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Construction Worker

Construction zone with warning signs and traffic cones

News Summary

A construction worker was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident while directing traffic on a busy expressway. The driver has been arrested and faces multiple charges, highlighting the urgent need for public safety in work zones. The victim, a dedicated worker in the construction field for 15 years, was known for her commitment to a safe working environment and her family. The case emphasizes the increasing concern over reckless driving and its implications for worker safety.

Queens Driver Arrested in Hit-and-Run That Killed Construction Worker

Queens, NY – A 44-year-old construction worker named Isabel Alvarez was fatally struck in a hit-and-run incident while directing traffic on a busy expressway on Friday morning. The incident took place around 7:30 a.m. near the eastbound Nassau Expressway and Exit 1N, leading to an immediate response from emergency services.

Alvarez, who was standing in a designated safety zone between the exit ramp and the eastbound lanes, was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai, was reportedly driving a 2018 Infiniti Q50S at a high rate of speed when he hit Alvarez and subsequently fled the scene of the accident.

Budhai was located shortly after by law enforcement officers near South Conduit Avenue and 134th Street. Upon his apprehension, he was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was treated for minor injuries to his right hand and is currently in stable condition. He now faces multiple charges, which include assault, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, and menacing.

The New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner, Marie Therese Dominguez, has expressed condolences to Alvarez’s family and emphasized the urgent need for public safety in construction work zones. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of reckless driving, especially in areas where construction workers are actively managing traffic.

Prior to the tragic event, Alvarez had voiced concerns about the dangers posed by reckless drivers in the area. She had been temporarily filling in for a co-worker during this particular assignment. Described as a dedicated and selfless worker, Alvarez had been employed in the construction industry for approximately 15 years. She was also in the process of building a vacation home for her mother in El Salvador, showcasing her commitment to both her work and family.

The loss of Alvarez has deeply impacted the community, including her family members and co-workers, who are mourning her untimely death. They remember her for her hard work and dedication to ensuring the safety of others while on the job.

The NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run incident. They are gathering further evidence and conducting interviews to elucidate the factors that led to this tragic event.

This incident serves as a stark reminder to all drivers about the necessity of respecting work zones and prioritizing the safety of construction workers who are often tasked with directing traffic in potentially hazardous conditions. The call for greater awareness and caution on the roads has never been more critical in light of this tragic event.

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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.

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