A major crash on the Long Island Expressway caused severe traffic disruptions Monday morning after a multi-vehicle collision led to lane closures and extensive backups during peak commuting hours in New York City.
According to traffic authorities and local reports, the accident occurred on the westbound side of the Long Island Expressway near the Clearview Expressway interchange in Queens shortly before the height of the morning rush. Emergency responders, including police, fire crews, and EMS personnel, quickly arrived at the scene to assist injured motorists and secure the roadway.
Officials confirmed that multiple lanes were temporarily closed while first responders worked to remove damaged vehicles and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Traffic cameras showed long stretches of stopped and slow-moving traffic extending several miles behind the crash scene, significantly impacting commuters traveling into Queens and toward Manhattan.
Authorities have not yet released the total number of vehicles involved or confirmed the severity of injuries sustained in the incident. However, officials stated that at least one person received medical attention at the scene, while others involved were evaluated by emergency crews.
The Long Island Expressway, also known as Interstate 495, is one of the busiest highways in the New York metropolitan region, carrying thousands of commuters daily between Long Island, Queens, and Manhattan. Accidents along the corridor frequently create widespread congestion due to the volume of traffic and limited alternate routes during busy travel periods.
Transportation officials urged drivers to avoid the affected section of the expressway whenever possible and encouraged the use of alternate roadways or public transportation while cleanup operations continued. Traffic delays persisted well into the late morning hours as crews worked to fully reopen all lanes.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and additional updates are expected as authorities continue reviewing evidence and speaking with witnesses.