BROOKLYN — An elderly man was killed when he was struck by a van crossing a street at a busy Borough Park intersection Monday afternoon, according fire officials.
The accident unfolded on New Utrecht Avenue, 50th Street and 12th Avenue about 12:30 p.m., the fire department said.
"I heard a huge bang and I saw the man flying four or five meters," said a man who works nearby and would only give his first name, David. "I came out and called 911."
David said the van stayed on the scene after striking the 69-year-old man.
The driver, 59, who would not give his name, told DNAinfo he was driving north on New Utrecht Avenue with his 25-year-old son when the man suddenly stepped into the street in front of him. He was unable to brake in time.
The motorist said he stopped and ran out to check on the man who was "moving a little bit" before being taken away by the ambulance.
The victim was rushed to Maimonides Hospital by a Hatzolah ambulance where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver was not arrested.
A local resident said the three-road intersection is dangerous because it's hard to tell where the traffic is coming from.
"You can't see [who has] the right of way," said Harriet Lebabics, 56, who has lived in the neighborhood for 24 years. "When I have to cross it's like I'm taking my life into my hands."
