Queens, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Isabel Alvarez, a 44-year-old construction worker, was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle in a hit-and-run while directing traffic on the Nassau Expressway in Queens. The driver, 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai, fled the scene but was later apprehended. Authorities emphasized the importance of safety in work zones following this tragic incident, which has ignited community mourning and discussions on public safety for construction workers. Alvarez was dedicated to her profession and had raised concerns about reckless driving in the area prior to her death.
Queens – A 44-year-old construction worker, Isabel Alvarez, tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run incident while directing traffic on the Nassau Expressway in Queens. The incident took place around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, near Exit 1N of the eastbound lanes.
Alvarez was performing her duties in a designated safety zone between the exit ramp and the expressway when a vehicle struck her. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene, underscoring the severity of the accident.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 25-year-old Daveanand Budhai, was operating a 2018 Infiniti Q50S at a high rate of speed when the collision occurred. Despite the impact, Budhai fled the scene, but law enforcement located him shortly afterward near South Conduit Avenue and 134th Street. After being found, he was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to address minor injuries to his right hand, where he was reported to be in stable condition.
Buhdai is facing multiple charges, including assault, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, and menacing. These charges reflect the severity of the situation and the implications of his action following the collision.
In response to the incident, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez issued a statement expressing condolences and highlighting the critical need for public safety in work zones. This tragic event has sparked discussions around the importance of respecting construction zones and ensuring the safety of individuals working in such areas.
Prior to her untimely death, Alvarez had reportedly expressed concerns about reckless driving in the vicinity, showing her commitment to safety in her work environment. She had been temporarily covering for a co-worker during this period. Alvarez had approximately 15 years of experience in the construction industry and was actively in the process of building a vacation home for her mother in El Salvador, reflecting her dedication to her family and her profession.
The community, including Alvarez’s family and co-workers, is in mourning. They have come together to remember her selflessness and dedication to her work. The incident has also prompted the NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad to launch a thorough investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event.
This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerable nature of construction workers operating in visible work zones, and the imperative for all drivers to prioritize the safety of individuals in these areas.
FAQ
What happened to Isabel Alvarez?
Isabel Alvarez, a 44-year-old construction worker, was struck and killed by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident while directing traffic in Queens.
Who is responsible for the hit-and-run?
The driver, Daveanand Budhai, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and reckless driving.
What are the key details about the incident timeline?
The collision occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Friday. Budhai fled the scene but was located shortly after. Alvarez was pronounced dead at the scene.
What measures are being taken in response to the incident?
The NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is conducting an ongoing investigation, and public safety measures in work zones are being emphasized by transportation officials.
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What happened to Isabel Alvarez?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Isabel Alvarez, a 44-year-old construction worker, was struck and killed by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident while directing traffic in Queens.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Who is responsible for the hit-and-run?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The driver, Daveanand Budhai, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and reckless driving.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What are the key details about the incident timeline?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The collision occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Friday. Budhai fled the scene but was located shortly after. Alvarez was pronounced dead at the scene.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What measures are being taken in response to the incident?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is conducting an ongoing investigation, and public safety measures in work zones are being emphasized by transportation officials.”
}
}
]
}
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Isabel Alvarez, 44 years old, construction worker |
| Incident Type | Hit-and-run accident |
| Location | Nassau Expressway, Queens |
| Time of Incident | 7:30 a.m. on Friday |
| Driver | Daveanand Budhai, 25 years old |
| Charges Against Driver | Assault, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, and menacing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houston Police Seek Help in Finding Missing Woman
Houston Police Officer Injured in Unusual Crash Incident
Houston Police Cruiser Crashes into Swimming Pool During Pursuit
The Rise and Fall of Houston’s ‘Godfather’ Sam Cammarata
Fatal Crash Involving Fuel Tanker Claims Driver’s Life in Houston
Deadly Hit-and-Run Incident on Gulf Freeway
Oceanside Transit Center Pedestrian Crossing Extension Project Begins
Fatal SUV Crash Claims Life of 79-Year-Old Woman in Houston
Fatal Hit-and-Run in Southwest Houston Leaves Woman Dead
Houston Celebrates 713 Day with Festive Events
Additional Resources
- ABC7 NY
- Wikipedia: Hit and Run
- QNS
- Google Search: hit and run incidents Queens
- NY Daily News
- Google Scholar: construction worker safety Queens
- QNS
- Encyclopedia Britannica: traffic safety
- Audacy
- Google News: moped hit and run Queens
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
