Passenger in critical condition after expressway crash in Queens, driver charged with DWI

An alleged drunk driver that was driving on a suspended license hit a divider on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway on June 5th. The passenger was left in critical condition after the high speed crash, police said.

Rogelio Mendoza Hernandez, 25, was heading east on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway when he lost control of his vehicle near Flushing Ave. exit in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The crash happened at approximately 4:45 am on June 5th, police said.

Mendoza, 25, of Queens, had two female passengers in his vehicle when he lost control and veered into a metal crash cushion and struck the right median wall near Flushing Ave., police said.  

A 22-year-old woman riding in his front passenger seat suffered severe trauma to her chest and was taken to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition, police said. Another woman riding in the backseat, also 22, suffered cuts to her head. She also went to Bellevue Hospital but in stable condition.

Mendoza Hernandez of Queens, was arrested at the scene and was charged with DWI, vehicular assault, reckless endangerment and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, police said. Mendoza was not hurt in the crash.