In a tragic incident, a man lost his life after being struck by an MTA bus in the East Village area of New York City. The incident has left the community deeply concerned and the family of the victim demanding answers regarding the circumstances that led to his death.

Demand for Answers

Shawn Gooding, a resident of East Village, tragically lost his life when he was hit by an MTA bus. His family, grieving the loss, is demanding accountability, attributing ongoing construction in the area as a contributing factor to the fatal accident. Gooding’s sister, Wadeeah Sabir, expressed the family’s anguish, emphasizing that her brother, a respected member of the community, deserved better.

Incident Details

The unfortunate incident occurred at the intersection of Avenue D and East 10th Street around 10:30 p.m. on March 1. Gooding, according to police reports, stumbled and fell into the street, where he was struck by the bus as it made a left turn. The family contends that the construction activities in the vicinity have forced pedestrians onto the streets, posing significant risks to their safety.

Safety Concerns

Gooding’s family asserts that the ongoing construction near the Jacob Riis NYCHA housing development has created hazardous conditions for pedestrians. With limited space and disrupted pathways, pedestrians are compelled to navigate through dangerous areas, increasing the likelihood of accidents like the one that claimed Gooding’s life.

MTA Response

Despite the tragedy, the MTA bus driver involved in the accident has not faced charges. The President of New York City Transit expressed condolences to the victim’s family and friends, stating that there is no evidence suggesting the bus operator was aware of the impact. However, the family continues to advocate for enhanced safety measures in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Call for Safer Infrastructure

Gooding’s untimely demise has reignited discussions about the importance of prioritizing pedestrian safety, particularly in areas undergoing construction. As the community mourns his loss, there is a collective call for authorities to address safety concerns and implement measures to safeguard pedestrians navigating through construction zones. Only through proactive measures and community collaboration can tragedies like this be prevented in the future.

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