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Tragedy in Brooklyn: British Woman and Daughters Killed in Car Crash
New York City mourns the loss of a British-born woman and her two young daughters who tragically died in a Brooklyn car crash. The fatal incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a vehicle struck the family as they were crossing Ocean Parkway in Midwood. The victims have been identified as Natasha Saada, 34, originally from Mill Hill, North London, and her daughters, Diana, 8, and Deborah, 5. They were members of the Orthodox Jewish community and were returning home from synagogue when the devastating collision took place.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The incident unfolded shortly after 1 p.m. when a vehicle, allegedly driven by 32-year-old Miriam Yarimi, collided with the Saada family. Reports indicate that Yarimi’s Audi sedan first struck a Toyota Camry Uber before careening into the pedestrians on Ocean Parkway. Natasha Saada and her two daughters were pronounced dead at the scene. The family’s four-year-old son sustained critical injuries and was immediately hospitalized.
Driver Faces Manslaughter Charges
Miriam Yarimi, a Midwood resident and business owner, has been arrested and faces serious charges in connection with the fatal crash. The NYPD confirmed on Sunday that Yarimi is charged with three counts of manslaughter in the second degree, along with three counts of criminally negligent homicide. Furthermore, she is accused of four counts of assault in the second degree, reckless driving, and speeding. Authorities stated that Yarimi was allegedly driving with a suspended license at the time of the incident.
Community Mourns Devastating Loss
The bodies of Natasha Saada and her daughters were transported to Jerusalem, Israel, for burial on Monday evening. Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet of Mill Hill Synagogue in North London, a community where Mrs. Saada grew up, traveled to Jerusalem to offer support to her grieving parents and husband, Sidney.
Tributes Paid to ‘Fondly Remembered’ Family
Rabbi Schochet expressed the deep sorrow felt by the community, stating to Jewish News, “The whole community is grief-stricken. Natasha grew up in Mill Hill and is fondly remembered by many.” He described the Saada family as “beautiful” and conveyed the collective mourning of the community.
- Natasha Saada, 34, and her two daughters were killed in Brooklyn.
- The family was struck by a car while walking home from synagogue.
- Driver, Miriam Yarimi, faces manslaughter and other charges.
- Community leaders and Mayor Adams express condolences.
Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath
Disturbing images from the scene depicted Yarimi’s Audi overturned on the roadway. Firefighters had to extricate Yarimi from the wreckage. She was reported to be in stable condition following the crash. Online records revealed a history of numerous traffic violations associated with the Audi, including over 20 speeding tickets and substantial unpaid fines exceeding $10,000. These violations included infractions for speeding in a school zone, disregarding red lights, and obstructing fire hydrants.
Mayor Adams Condemns ‘Shakespearean’ Tragedy
Speaking at the crash site, Mayor Eric Adams characterized the event as “a tragic accident of Shakespearean proportions.” He lamented the senseless loss, stating, “A mother going for a simple stroll on a sunny day was struck and killed. The city mourns with this community.”
Local Resident Describes Scene as ‘Earthquake’
A resident living near the crash site described the sound of the collision as akin to an “earthquake.” He recounted rushing to the scene, contacting emergency services, and witnessing the rapid arrival of emergency responders who administered CPR to the victims.
NYPD further stated that Yarimi’s charges include failure to yield at a red light and exceeding the speed limit. The Uber driver involved in the initial collision and their three passengers were treated at Kings County Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have confirmed that a thorough police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is currently ongoing.