An 18-year-old moped rider tragically lost his life after being struck by multiple vehicles on a New York City freeway. The incident occurred on Monday morning on the Cross Bronx Expressway in the Bronx. Joseph Anthony Ruiz was riding his moped eastbound when he collided with the rear left corner of a black Honda minivan near Jerome Avenue. This collision caused Ruiz to then hit the right side of a tractor-trailer before falling to the pavement and being run over by the trailer’s rear tire. In a devastating turn of events, Ruiz was then struck by a Dodge Charger, which dragged his body for about a half-mile off the expressway and onto the next exit ramp at E. 175th St. and Webster Ave.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived at the scene but unfortunately pronounced Ruiz dead due to severe head and body trauma. The driver of the Honda minivan remained at the scene, but both the tractor-trailer driver and the Dodge driver fled. The victim, who resided on 214th Street in Williamsbridge, Bronx, lost his life in this horrifying accident.
At present, no arrests have been made, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. The NYPD is working diligently to gather information and bring any responsible parties to justice.
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by individuals on the roads and the importance of following traffic regulations. It also highlights the need for swift action in hit-and-run cases to ensure justice is served.
