Queens hit-and-run: Two moped drivers killed in fiery crash in Elmhurst

ELMHURST, Queens (WABC) — It was a frightening series of events Sunday in Queens. Two men rode a moped down 57th Avenue in Elmhurst – seconds later, a hatchback crashed into two parked cars and burst into flames.

The driver of the hatchback, a Volkswagen Golf, ran over and killed the moped riders before he or she ran away.

A neighbor who called 911 and watched from home said the sound of the crash and the fire truck sirens woke everyone up.

First responders arrived to take a person thrown from the moped to the hospital. The other was pronounced dead at the scene.

Firefighters extinguished the flames and police began searching for the driver who abandoned the silver Volkswagen Golf with Illinois plates. The NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad has the remains of the car and is working to identify it.

Police believe the driver failed to negotiate a curve on 57th Avenue and likely drove too fast and too far, causing him to hit the moped head-on.

Police still have not identified the moped driver or passenger. The moped was not registered.

ALSO READ: NYPD investigating series of robberies linked to Facebook Marketplace sales

———-

* More news from Queens

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on Youtube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Do you have a breaking news tip or idea for a story we should cover? Submit it to Eyewitness News using the form below. The terms of use apply to attaching a video or photo.