Tragic Accident in Boerum Hill: 83-Year-Old Woman Killed by Dump Truck

Boerum Hill, NY – An 83-year-old woman was tragically killed on Wednesday afternoon in Boerum Hill after being struck by a dump truck. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. when Carolyn Cox, a resident of Gowanus Houses, was crossing Bond Street towards Butler Street.

As Cox was crossing, a 2018 Kenworth dump truck, turning right from Butler Street onto Bond Street, collided with her on the passenger side. The driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, initially continued driving but eventually stopped at the corner of Third Avenue and Bergen Street, approximately half a mile from the crash site.

Cox was found unconscious and unresponsive on the road. Emergency services rushed her to New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no arrests have been made thus far.

The intersection where the accident occurred, Bond and Butler streets, is a “T” intersection. While Butler Street meets Bond Street, it does not continue on the other side, creating a challenging crossing for pedestrians. Notably, there is no designated east-west crosswalk on Bond Street where Cox was crossing. Eastbound traffic turning from Butler onto Bond is required to stop at a sign, as the dump truck driver was supposed to do. According to NYC Crash Mapper, there have been three reported crashes at this intersection in the past five years, resulting in three pedestrian injuries.

In response to the tragic accident, Brooklyn Community Board 6 emphasized the urgent need to prioritize street safety. They highlighted the importance of implementing features such as physical curb extensions, clearly marked and raised crosswalks, and universal daylighting. The board also stressed the need to enforce lower speed limits, a measure supported by the recent passage of Sammy’s Law.

Brooklyn Community Board 6 extended their condolences to Carolyn Cox’s family and friends, acknowledging the profound impact of this tragedy. They reiterated their commitment to advocating for safer street designs to prevent such incidents in the future.

This incident underscores the critical need for improved pedestrian safety measures at intersections, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. The community’s response highlights the collective desire to see immediate and effective changes to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Carolyn Cox and hopes for increased safety measures to prevent further tragedies.