Officials say that the accident happened just before 11 p.m. when a sedan hit the back of a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the shoulder of the Van Wyck Expressway.
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The 28-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and the 32-year-old driver was treated for minor injuries.
The driver was then taken into custody by police, who suspected they were driving under the influence, officials said.
Charges for the driver were pending.
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