Queens Drunk Driving Accident Injures Two and Kills 23-Year-Old Driver: FDNY Firefighter Arrested

A tragic crash in East Elmhurst, Queens, claimed the life of 23-year-old Justin Diaz after a Mercedes, allegedly driven by an intoxicated FDNY firefighter, sped through a red light and violently T-boned his BMW. The fatal collision, which occurred at 4:15 a.m. at the intersection of 107th St. and Northern Blvd., was caught on surveillance video (see below) and has since led to the arrest of 28-year-old firefighter Michael Pena, who now faces charges including vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Surveillance Footage Captures High-Speed Impact

Chilling video footage shows Diaz traveling north on 107th St. before entering the intersection, moments before the Mercedes, moving at high speed, plows into his vehicle’s driver’s side. The force of the crash sent both cars spinning across Northern Blvd., with the BMW ultimately slamming into a parked Toyota Sienna.

Bystanders at the scene immediately reacted, with one witness confronting Pena, questioning his reckless speed. The footage also captures Pena initially sitting behind the wheel before exiting the Mercedes, checking on Diaz, and making a phone call.

Emergency responders transported Diaz to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he was pronounced dead. Pena, who refused a breathalyzer test at the scene, was arrested and taken into custody. Two passengers in the Mercedes, both 28-year-old men, were also hospitalized but are expected to recover.

Drunk Driving Continues to Claim Lives in Queens

This devastating crash highlights the deadly consequences of drunk driving. Pena, a member of the FDNY, now faces serious criminal charges, and his employment status remains under review, with an initial 28-day suspension without pay. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers impaired drivers pose to innocent road users.

In New York, the law holds intoxicated drivers accountable for the harm they cause. Victims of DWI-related crashes or their families have the right to seek justice through both criminal proceedings and civil litigation. A wrongful death lawsuit may provide surviving family members with financial compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Seeking Justice for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our Queens car accident lawyers have extensive experience representing victims of DWI crashes. Our trial attorneys aggressively pursue maximum compensation for families who have lost loved ones due to another driver’s recklessness.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident in Queens, contact our top-rated legal team at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation. We are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing justice for victims.