Teen Accused of Running Red Light in Crash That Seriously Injured Truck Driver in Dix Hills
Credit: Smoke Showing Media
DIX HILLS, N.Y. — A 16-year-old driver is accused of running a red light and causing a violent crash that overturned a tractor-trailer and left a man seriously injured early Saturday morning.
According to Suffolk County Police, the crash occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. at the intersection of Bagatelle Road and Express Drive North, the service road of the Long Island Expressway.
Investigators say a 49-year-old man was driving a 2007 Kenworth tractor-trailer hauling mulch westbound on the service road when the truck was struck by a 2022 Jeep Wrangler traveling northbound on Bagatelle Road.
Credit: Smoke Showing Media
Police say the 16-year-old female driver of the Jeep failed to stop at a red light before colliding with the tractor-trailer. The impact caused the commercial vehicle to overturn, sending the cab crashing into nearby trees and a utility pole.
The truck driver suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital.
The teenage driver was transported to a local area hospital, where she was treated and released.
Police said the teen was issued summonses for failing to stop at a red light and driving out of class.
Credit: Smoke Showing Media
The crash forced the closure of a section of Express Drive North between Bagatelle Road and Burrs Lane for nearly eight hours as detectives investigated the scene and crews worked to clear the overturned truck and debris.
The overturned commercial vehicle also struck a utility pole during the crash, causing a power outage that affected approximately 75 PSEG Long Island customers. Power was restored by approximately 12:45 p.m., according to the utility company.
Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.
