Noach Klein – Authorities have identified an 84-year-old Williamsburg man who passed away after a traffic incident in Borough Park that also left another person injured. The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that the incident occurred Wednesday evening, involving two pedestrians and a van.
According to police reports, the collision took place shortly after 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of 49th Street and 18th Avenue, a busy area in the Borough Park neighborhood. Investigators say that the two men were crossing the street when a 2018 Ford Transit van, operated by a 38-year-old driver, struck them.
One of the pedestrians was identified as Noach Klein, an 84-year-old resident of Williamsburg. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, providing immediate medical assistance to both victims. Klein was transported to Maimonides Hospital, where, despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced deceased.
The second pedestrian, identified as a 54-year-old man, was also taken to the hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Authorities reported that he is expected to recover fully.
Following the crash, video footage captured the scene showing emergency personnel assisting those injured and assessing the situation. Items such as a hat and a pair of broken glasses could be seen on the ground, illustrating the force of the impact and the seriousness of the situation.
The NYPD stated that the driver of the van remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement officers. No arrests or citations have been issued at this stage, as investigators continue to gather information and review evidence. The Collision Investigation Squad is leading the inquiry into what may have caused the incident.
Authorities have not yet determined whether any factors such as road conditions, lighting, or pedestrian visibility contributed to the collision. Early indications suggest that impairment or speeding do not appear to have been involved, but investigators are still piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the impact.
Residents of the area have described the intersection where the crash occurred as busy and sometimes challenging for pedestrians, especially during evening hours when visibility is lower. Local safety advocates have previously called for more crosswalk improvements and traffic-calming measures in that part of Borough Park to help protect elderly pedestrians and others who frequently cross the streets.
Community members expressed sadness upon hearing of Klein’s passing, noting that he was a familiar and respected figure in the Williamsburg area. Some neighbors described him as a kind and gentle man who often engaged with his community.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of driver awareness and pedestrian safety in densely populated neighborhoods like Borough Park. City officials have continued efforts to improve traffic safety through initiatives such as Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries across New York City.
Police are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has surveillance footage from the area to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers line or the Collision Investigation Squad to assist in the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation continues, authorities have extended condolences to the Klein family and to everyone affected by the event. The NYPD reiterated its commitment to determining the exact circumstances of the crash and ensuring that all findings are carefully reviewed.
The incident highlights the continuing challenges of urban traffic safety, particularly for seniors and pedestrians navigating busy intersections. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of both drivers and pedestrians remaining alert and cautious, especially during hours of limited visibility.
For now, the community mourns the loss of a long-time resident as investigators work to understand what led to the tragedy.
