Early on a quiet Saturday morning, April 13, 2024, the streets of University Heights in the Bronx, New York City, were abruptly awakened by a catastrophic accident that claimed two lives and injured three others.
At around 4:15 a.m., under the shadow of the #4 train station at Jerome Avenue and East Fordham Road, a devastating series of events unfolded involving a high-speed BMW and a Nissan Rogue.
The BMW, driven by 23-year-old John Delorbe, was traveling north on Jerome Avenue at a reportedly high speed when it ran a red light and collided with the Nissan Rogue, heading east on Fordham Road. The crash’s impact was severe enough to send the BMW hurtling into a pillar supporting the elevated train tracks. Both Delorbe and his passenger, 21-year-old Angel Tussan, were pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital shortly after the crash.
Jamie Winston, the 36-year-old driver of the Nissan Rogue, along with her two passengers, were taken to the same hospital in stable condition. Authorities later arrested Winston under suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Neighbors and witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with sounds of the crash echoing through the early morning silence. “It was a loud boom. It woke everyone up,” said a resident, reflecting on the intensity of the collision. This description captures the sudden and violent nature of the accident that has since raised concerns about traffic safety in the area.
Police continue to investigate the factors contributing to the accident, focusing on the BMW’s speed as a potential cause. This aspect of the investigation aims to determine how such a tragedy could have been prevented and what measures can be taken to ensure the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in similar urban settings.
The intersection of Jerome Avenue and East Fordham Road is known to locals for its heavy traffic and the challenges it presents for drivers. The fatal crash has intensified ongoing discussions about traffic management and the enforcement of driving laws in densely populated areas of the Bronx.
As the community mourns the loss of two young lives, the focus shifts to preventing future incidents. Enhancements in traffic signal visibility, increased policing of speed limits, and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of running red lights are among the solutions being considered.