Two people lost their lives and dozens of others were injured after a devastating multi-vehicle crash involving a bus on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, New York, late Monday night. The violent collision caused the bus to overturn across the highway, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the temporary closure of one of the city’s busiest roadways.
According to the New York City Police Department and emergency officials, the crash occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. near Greenpoint Avenue. Preliminary findings indicate that the bus collided with another vehicle, which was then pushed into a second car. The impact caused the bus to cross the center median, overturn into the opposite lanes of traffic, and strike two additional vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
Authorities confirmed that the bus driver and one passenger were killed in the crash. Their identities have not yet been released as officials continue notifying family members. Several other passengers and motorists suffered injuries, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Emergency officials said approximately two dozen passengers were transported to nearby medical facilities, including Bellevue Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, and Elmhurst Hospital Center, where they received treatment for injuries ranging from minor to severe.
The crash prompted a massive emergency response involving more than 70 firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and police officers. Rescue crews worked through the night to free trapped occupants from the overturned bus while treating the injured at the scene. Authorities closed both directions of the Long Island Expressway for several hours as investigators documented the crash site and crews cleared the wreckage, leading to significant overnight traffic delays.
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the collision. Detectives are reviewing the sequence of events and examining the movements of the bus and the other vehicles involved. Officials have not announced whether speed, mechanical failure, road conditions, or other factors may have contributed to the crash.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are expected to release additional information, including the identities of the two victims and further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash, once the preliminary investigation has progressed and families have been notified.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with high-volume highway travel and underscores the importance of continued efforts to improve roadway safety throughout the New York metropolitan area.