NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – The truck driver who struck two sisters, killing one, in Queens earlier this week, will not face charges, according to police.
The accident happened on Wednesday at around 3:30 p.m. when Jael Zhinin, a 16-year-old girl, was killed and her eight-year-old sister, Leslie, was injured after they were struck by a water delivery truck that drove off in front of a Queens school, police said.
The girls were hit in front of 4602 47th Ave. in Sunnyside, the location of Woodside Intermediate School 125.
Leslie was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center in stable condition, and Jael was pronounced dead, according to officials.
The box truck driver, a 28-year-old man, did not remain on the scene but was stopped about a block away and taken into custody. No charges were filed, according to police. The truck left the scene but was later found nearby while the driver was making another delivery.
The driver, whose identity has been released, told police that he did not see the girls and continued on his delivery route, according to ABC7.
An investigation is ongoing and investigators are now working to determine who had the right of way and if any external factors contributed to the incident.
A GoFundMe was created in support of the family.
"Leslie, her younger sister, is bravely fighting to recover from the injuries sustained in this devastating accident," the GoFundMe page read. "Their family is now grappling with an unimaginable loss and the overwhelming costs associated with medical bills, funeral arrangements, and other unforeseen expenses. Your contribution will directly support Jael's family with funeral expenses and assist in Leslie's ongoing medical care and recovery."
