Chain-reaction crash closes Long Island Expressway - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Long Island Expressway crash

Posted: Updated:
Several vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. (Photo courtesy Newsday) Several vehicles collided on the Long Island Expressway. (Photo courtesy Newsday)
MYFOXNY.COM -

Police have identified the driver killed in a horrific crash that closed the Long Island Expressway on Wednesday.

Police say that Christa Zepf, 68, of Blue Point died in the crash that left 33 people injured.  The most seriously injured person was identified as Robert Murphy, 57, of Lloyd Harbor.  He was listed in critical condition at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital on Thursday with a head injury.

A fiery crash involving a tractor-trailer and dozens of other vehicles happened about 2:38 p.m. just west of the William Floyd Parkway.

Suffolk County Police say that Raymond Simoneau, 42, of Rockingham, Vt., was driving a tractor-trailer eastbound on the LIE when his vehicle struck a number of cars.  Following the initial collision, a chain-reaction crash occurred.  A total of 35 vehicles were involved. The tractor-trailer, which was carrying storm debris, and two additional vehicles caught fire.

Simoneau was not seriously hurt.  He and several other witnesses were questioned after the crash.

The LIE was closed eastbound from Exits 68-69 including the service road and westbound from Exits 68-67, police said. 

The Long Island Expressway did not reopened until just before 6 a.m. on Thursday.

Investigators impounded the tractor trailer and several cars for safety checks.

  • Traffic

  • Saturday, May 18 2013 4:03 PM EDT2013-05-18 20:03:41 GMT
    Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
    Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-17 13:35:33 GMT
    Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
    Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 7:05 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:05:50 GMT
    Thirty-seven claims have been filed in federal court in Newark over the crash of a commuter ferry in New York City that left dozens of passengers injured.
    Thirty-seven claims have been filed in federal court in Newark over the crash of a commuter ferry in New York City that left dozens of passengers injured.
  • Long Island NewsLong Island News

  • Saturday, May 18 2013 11:33 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:33:31 GMT
    The winning numbers in a near-historic Powerball jackpot were announced Saturday night. The numbers drawn Saturday are: 22, 10, 13, 14, 52 and a Powerball of 11. 
    The winning numbers in a near-historic Powerball jackpot were announced Saturday night. The numbers drawn Saturday are: 22, 10, 13, 14, 52 and a Powerball of 11. 
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:26:14 GMT
    Nassau County police said the Hofstra University student killed during a home invasion robbery was the victim of friendly fire from an officer.
    Nassau County police said the Hofstra University student killed during a home invasion robbery was the victim of friendly fire from an officer.
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 10:09 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:09:39 GMT
    Authorities say one person is dead and another was injured when the vehicle they were in ran off the road and crashed into Huntington harbor on Long Island Saturday evening. 
    Authorities say one person is dead and another was injured when the vehicle they were in ran off the road and crashed into Huntington harbor on Long Island Saturday evening. 
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices