In a tragic incident in Queens, New York, a 32-year-old woman lost her life after leaping from a moving Uber vehicle.
According to the New York Post, A woman died immediately after jumping from an Uber and being struck by another vehicle on the Long Island Expressway.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday when the woman, traveling in the back seat of a gray Volkswagen Passat, suddenly jumped out of the car. The location was near the Kissena Boulevard exit on the eastbound side of the expressway in Flushing.
After her abrupt exit from the moving vehicle, she was hit by an oncoming car, inflicting fatal injuries primarily to her left leg. Despite the subsequent arrival of emergency services, she was pronounced dead right at the scene.
The 44-year-old Uber driver, who was not harmed, cooperated fully by staying on-site until authorities arrived.
Following the fatal accident, the New York Police Department's highway patrol unit arrived quickly to close all four eastbound lanes of the Long Island Expressway. This allowed for a thorough initial investigation and for emergency crews to manage the scene safely.
Investigators focused on piecing together the moments leading up to and immediately following the woman’s desperate leap. The Uber vehicle was impounded for the mechanical inspection as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police are actively seeking the driver who struck the woman, stated to have hit her "unknowingly." The hit-and-run aspect of the case adds a significant layer of complexity to the investigation.
The unexpected event has sparked discussions among the local community regarding the safety measures for both passengers and drivers of ride-sharing services. Meanwhile, authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased, as her family has not been notified.
In response to the incident, Uber has expressed their commitment to cooperating with law enforcement to understand the details and prevent such tragedies in the future. The company emphasized the importance of passenger safety during their travels.
The closure of the expressway for several hours caused significant early morning delays, underscoring the broader implications and disruptions caused by such grave incidents on major thoroughfares.
While the direct cause prompting the woman to exit the vehicle remains unclear, police are examining all avenues, including the possibility of mental health stresses or substances influencing her decision. Investigators are reviewing dash-cam footage from within the Uber and from surrounding traffic to gather more clues.
The active search for the eastbound driver who fled the scene continues. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
This incident marks a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of road safety and the critical need for awareness and quick response in emergencies on highways.
