Fiery wreck shuts down Long Island Expressway
LONG ISLAND, NY
Emergency crews battled the raging blaze for three hours after
the 8 a.m. accident Saturday between Melville and Plainview near
the Nassau County line.
The intense heat melted the supports for a huge road sign, which
collapsed across all eight lanes of the roadway. Heavy equipment
was brought in to remove it.
The westbound lanes reopened about 6:15 p.m.
Authorities were still uncertain when eastbound lanes of the
heavily trafficked highway might reopen. The accident caused the
pavement to buckle.
Authorities have identified the driver as 57-year-old Mujahid
Shah of Brooklyn.
