Deadly coach bus crash shuts down Long Island Expressway, causing major traffic delays
MASPETH, Queens (WABC) -- Two people were killed and dozens of others were injured after a coach bus overturned and crossed into oncoming traffic on the Long Island Expressway in Queens late Monday night, creating a massive traffic backup.
The crash happened around 11:45 p.m. on the westbound Long Island Expressway near the Greenpoint Avenue exit in Maspeth.
According to officials, the westbound coach bus first collided with two vehicles before striking the center divider. The bus then overturned into the eastbound lanes, where it crashed into two additional vehicles.
The driver of the bus and one passenger were pronounced dead.
The driver of one of the vehicles traveling in the eastbound lanes was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Three other drivers involved in the crash were reported to be in stable condition.
About two dozen passengers aboard the bus were transported to Bellevue Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Elmhurst Hospital Center to be evaluated for injuries.
The crash shut down the Long Island Expressway in both directions for hours, causing major traffic delays as emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigators processed the scene. Video from the aftermath showed the overturned bus resting on its side while stranded motorists got out of their vehicles and waited along the highway as traffic came to a standstill.
The Long Island Expressway remains closed in both directions between the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Maurice Avenue as crews continue clearing the crash scene.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
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