Two people were killed and multiple others were injured after a devastating bus crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, New York, late Monday night. The multi-vehicle collision caused the bus to overturn across the highway, prompting a massive emergency response and forcing authorities to shut down portions of one of the region’s busiest roadways as investigators worked at the scene.
According to the New York City Police Department and emergency officials, the crash occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. near Greenpoint Avenue. Preliminary reports indicate the bus collided with another vehicle, which then struck a second car. The bus subsequently crossed the center median, overturned into the opposite lanes of traffic, and collided with two additional vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
Authorities confirmed that the bus driver and one passenger died as a result of the crash. Their identities have not yet been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. In addition to the fatalities, numerous people sustained injuries, including several who were reported to be in critical condition. Around two dozen passengers were transported to area hospitals, including Bellevue Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, and Elmhurst Hospital Center, for evaluation and treatment.
The crash triggered a large-scale emergency response involving more than 70 firefighters, EMS personnel, and police officers. Rescue crews worked to free trapped occupants from the overturned bus while treating injured passengers and motorists at the scene. The Long Island Expressway remained closed in both directions for several hours, resulting in significant overnight traffic disruptions as investigators documented the crash site and removed the damaged vehicles.
Officials have not yet determined what caused the collision. Investigators are examining the sequence of events leading up to the crash, including the movements of the bus and the other vehicles involved. No official information has been released regarding possible contributing factors, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities are expected to release additional information, including the identities of the deceased and further details about the investigation, once families have been notified and the preliminary inquiry is completed. The fatal crash serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of high-speed roadway travel and the importance of ongoing traffic safety efforts throughout the New York metropolitan area.
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