Hit and killed by van in Bronx, then someone runs off with his scooter

A 38-year-old man on a sputtering scooter was hit and killed by a van at a Bronx intersection — and moments later someone ran off with the victim’s malfunctioning two-wheeler, police said Wednesday.

The victim was riding his gas-powered scooter east on the E. 188th St. sidewalk in Belmont when he entered the intersection at Lorillard Place and crashed into a southbound Ford construction van about 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday, cops said. He was run over by the white van.

Witnesses said the victim was trying to fix the scooter just before the crash.

“The moment he tried to start the bike, he fell off,” said a witness, who gave his name only as Cordero. “He tried to stop the bike, but he cannot stop the bike and he lost control. He went right to the street and onto the floor. The [van] was crossing and he hit him in the head.”

Cordero called 911 as he watched the victim sprawled out on the asphalt, bleeding from a massive head injury.

“He was alive for a little bit,” Cordero said. “The [driver], he was in shock. He said that he didn’t see him.”

“That was so terrible, I couldn’t even sleep well,” he added. “I’m still in shock with all this.”

EMS rushed the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. His name was not immediately released.

Meanwhile, someone snatched the scooter and ran off with it before cops even arrived at the scene, authorities said. Police have not recovered the scooter.

The 25-year-old van driver was not hurt and faced no immediate charges, officials said.

“He never left the scene, he just stood there and talked to police,” said a second witness, who wished not to be named.

“I just felt really bad for the poor guy that was hit. I felt bad for the driver. You can see him so shook up, but he stayed.”

Residents said motor vehicle accidents were becoming common in the area.

“We’ve been having accidents left and right now,” said neighbor Jeff Vargon. “I know three [people] personally who were hit just in the area.”

“It’s become dangerous over here at times with these cars,” Vargon, 56, added.

“These stop signs are not being stopped at.”