One of the driving forces behind the popular rainbow bagel was killed in Gravesend after being hit by a vehicle.

Witnesses say Francine LaBarbara was hit by a van around 8 a.m. Tuesday. The driver involved is still on the loose.

LaBarbara worked in Williamsburg at The Bagel Store, where co-workers lit candles in her honor.

The incident happened at the corner of West Second Street and Avenue Y. Neighbors say people simply ignore stop signs at the intersection and that traffic lights are desperately needed.

Ysabelle Sanchez says she hit at the very same intersection while walking to work last year.

The city's Department of Sanitation says one of its trucks was in the area moments after the incident. The trucks were used to block the street.