2 Dead, 18 Injured After Bus Overturns on Long Island Expressway in Queens
QUEENS, N.Y. — Two people were killed and 18 others were injured after a coach bus overturned and crossed the median on the Long Island Expressway late Monday night, triggering a massive emergency response and shutting down the highway in both directions for hours.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. on the westbound Long Island Expressway near Exit 16 at Greenpoint Avenue. Investigators said the coach bus first collided with two passenger vehicles before striking the center median. The impact caused the bus to overturn into the eastbound lanes, where it struck two additional vehicles.
Police said the bus driver and one passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials reported that 18 people were injured, including one person listed in critical condition and 17 others who sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate.
Approximately two dozen passengers from the bus were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment following the crash.
Firefighters, EMS personnel, and New York City police officers responded to the scene, where crews worked to rescue trapped occupants and assist the injured.
More than 70 emergency responders were involved in the operation as officials closed the expressway in both directions while patients were treated, vehicles were removed, and investigators processed the crash scene.
The Long Island Expressway remained closed for several hours overnight before reopening Tuesday morning after the wreckage was cleared.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the two victims pending notification of their families.
