Queens, NY - In a devastating incident that took place on New Year's Day, five individuals lost their lives in a two-vehicle crash in Queens, according to authorities. The victims have since been identified by the police, revealing a tragic connection among three of them.

Police have identified three of the victims as 19-year-old Dayanara Benitez-Ocampo, 23-year-old Salma Garcia-Diaz, and 30-year-old Mario Ocampo, who all shared an address in Flushing, Queens. The New York Daily News reported that the three victims were cousins, shedding light on the close bond shared among them.

Accompanying the trio was 20-year-old Jordy Bentances, who also resided in Queens and was identified as Benitez-Ocampo's boyfriend. A fifth victim, identified as 24-year-old Kazeem Ramsahai, was reported as the driver of the vehicle in which all of the victims were travelling. Ramsahai was originally from North Carolina.

Details about the circumstances leading up to the crash remain unclear at this time. However, authorities confirmed that the driver of the second vehicle survived the accident. The individual, who has not been named, was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital in critical but stable condition.

The tragic incident has left the community in shock and mourning. As news of the crash spreads, friends and family members are remembering the lives lost and offering their condolences to the grieving relatives.

Local authorities will continue their investigation into the crash, aiming to uncover any additional information that may shed light on the cause. While the exact cause of the accident remains unknown, this tragic event highlights the importance of safe driving practices and vigilance on roads.

As the community mourns the loss of five individuals, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.