63-year-old crossing guard struck by Mercedes in Queens
MASPETH, Queens (WABC) -- A crossing guard was struck by a vehicle in Queens Tuesday.
The 63-year-old woman was protecting the children from that exact kind of accident when she was struck by a Mercedes from behind.
She was escorting children from Our Lady of Hope Academy across Eliot Avenue by 71st Street.
The FDNY responded to the incident just before 3 p.m. and transported the woman to a local hospital.
The Mercedes crashed into a tree after striking the crossing guard. The impact so strong, the airbags deployed.
Residents ran to help the guard. Sam Patel says he turned her face up and tried to clean the blood off of her.
"You can ask all of Middle Village, she is a nice, beautiful, sweet lady," said Patel.
The accident occurred along the border between Middle Village and Maspeth. Residents say that Tuesday was not the first time there was an accident at that intersection. They blame drivers for being too impatient to share the road.
"I've been here 20 years," said Peter Walus, a resident. "My parents almost got hit, I almost got hit with my kids crossing this street... We all knew this was going to happen."
The crossing guard is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery, according to police. No other injuries were reported.
"She was one of the most wonderful people you could ever meet," said Michey Eberlein, a resident in the area. "She was so kind to the children, courteous. She had a hard job here too."
The cause of the crash is under investigation. It is not clear if the driver of the Mercedes will be charged in connection with the accident.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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