An 87-year-old man remains in critical condition after being struck by an MTA bus in Sheepshead Bay, renewing scrutiny over pedestrian safety and traffic oversight.
At a Glance
- An 87-year-old man was critically injured by an MTA bus turning onto East 12th Street in Sheepshead Bay
- Surveillance footage suggests the pedestrian had the right of way at the time of the collision
- The MTA driver remained on the scene and is under investigation; no arrests have been made
- The incident has prompted calls for stronger pedestrian protections and transit reforms
- The NYPD continues to investigate the cause, including potential driver distraction
Collision Sparks Outcry
A harrowing accident unfolded around 6:40 p.m. Monday when an MTA bus turning left from Avenue Z onto East 12th Street struck an 87-year-old man in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. According to surveillance footage, the victim was crossing legally when the bus hit him, pinning him underneath and leaving him with life-threatening injuries. He was transported to NYU Langone Brooklyn Hospital for emergency care.
Eyewitnesses told authorities the driver appeared distracted, though exact causes remain unconfirmed. The driver stayed at the scene, complied with mandatory drug and alcohol tests, and is undergoing psychological evaluation. No charges have been filed as of yet.
Safety Debate Reignited
This latest tragedy has reignited concerns about pedestrian safety in densely trafficked urban areas. Advocates argue that New York City’s existing transit protocols fail to adequately protect its most vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly. Proposals for improved intersection design, driver awareness programs, and real-time pedestrian alerts are once again gaining traction among transportation reformers and local officials.
While the MTA has invested in safety training and vehicle monitoring systems, critics say the pace of change is too slow. “It’s not just about bad luck,” said one Sheepshead Bay resident. “These incidents keep happening because we aren’t fixing the system.”
Policy and Public Response
The NYPD is continuing its investigation and has not released the name of the victim pending family notification. Calls for policy reform are echoing through City Hall, with lawmakers demanding a reassessment of crosswalk safety, left-turn protocols for buses, and stricter accountability for transit operators.
While this incident is still under review, it has already intensified debate around pedestrian rights and transit modernization. As city leaders weigh safety upgrades, the case of this 87-year-old man may become a tragic flashpoint for overdue reforms in New York’s transportation system.
