September 2, 2025 ASTORIA, QUEENS—A peaceful Sunday afternoon turned to tragedy yesterday in Astoria after a 38-year-old woman was fatally struck by a van while crossing a street, according to police. The incident, which unfolded shortly before 1 p.m., has led to the arrest of the driver on multiple charges.

The victim, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, was in the crosswalk at the busy intersection of 39th Avenue and 30th Street when she was hit by a 2020 Ford Transit van. Paramedics rushed the woman to a nearby hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly after.

The driver, identified by authorities as 60-year-old Abdul Billah, was immediately taken into custody at the scene. He now faces a string of charges, including aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to use due care while driving.

This fatal collision marks a somber reminder of the ongoing pedestrian safety challenges in New York City. The NYPD continues to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities are asking for the public's help. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, visiting their website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or using the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app. For Spanish speakers, the number is 1-888-57-PISTA.