It happened on Hylan Avenue at Richard Avenue in Tottenville at 8.45pm on Sunday and New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the scene overnight as the investigation unfolded. “It’s heartbreaking any time we lose someone in an accident, but it’s especially tragic when young lives are lost,” Adams said Monday morning. “I was on stage last night and the pain was palpable. My heart goes out to the families.” The 16-year-old driver of the Mustang was the only occupant of the vehicle to survive the crash. His three passengers — 16-year-old Fernanda Gil, 15-year-old Jesie Gil and 15-year-old Ashley Rodriguez — were pronounced dead at the scene. The Mustang was westbound on Hylan Avenue when it collided with an eastbound black 2017 GMC Yukon making a left turn onto Richard Avenue. The force of the crash split the Mustang in half and two of the victims were ejected. School bus driver Nelson Mendez said he will never forget what he saw. “I heard a loud boom,” he said. “I ran out. There was a body in the middle of the divider, a body on this side of Hyland Avenue behind my neighbor’s yard, and two other kids were stuck in the other half of the Mustang.” The driver of the Mustang was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. There were four people in the SUV. All are expected to survive. The 47-year-old driver was taken into custody for driving while suspended and is now facing charges. The NYPD Highway Patrol is now investigating the crash, though authorities say there is no doubt speeding was a factor. Neighbors tell Eyewitness News the city recently dropped the speed limit in that area from 45 to 30. Now, they’re hoping for more change. “There’s been cops here in the past, trying to stop it, but as soon as they take everything away, they start again,” said local resident Nelson Mendez. “So let’s see what happens with that. Maybe they’ll post a light.” New York state law prohibits teen drivers from driving with more than one person under the age of 21. MORE NEWS: New York health officials urge return to mask indoors ———-* More Staten Island news* Send us a news tip* Download the abc7NY app for emergency alerts * Follow us on YouTube
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