A devastating multi-vehicle collision on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, New York, has left two people dead and 20 others injured, officials confirmed. The crash occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Monday night, triggering a federal investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Details of the collision
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), a westbound coach bus operated by a 35-year-old man struck another vehicle near exit 16 at Greenpoint Avenue and Hunters Point Avenue in Queens. This initial impact set off a chain reaction involving four additional vehicles. The bus then flipped over the median into oncoming eastbound traffic, where it collided with a fourth and fifth vehicle.
The bus driver and one passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending family notifications. Police added that one driver from the other vehicles was transported to a hospital in critical condition, while three other drivers involved were in stable condition. All other passengers on the coach bus were taken to local hospitals in stable condition.
Emergency response and investigation
Approximately 79 fire and emergency service personnel responded to the scene, according to the New York Fire Department, as reported by the New York Times. The NTSB has launched an investigation into the crash, which remains ongoing.
Following the collision, all lanes were blocked on both the eastbound and westbound Long Island Expressway at 50th Street. All lanes had reopened by Tuesday afternoon.
