One dead in multi-vehicle crash on LIE in Suffolk County

UPTON (WABC) -- The Long Island Expressway shut down in both directions in Suffolk County because of a fiery, multiple vehicle accident that killed one and injured more than two dozen people.

Police say the accident happened near Exit 68 in Shirley at 2:40 p.m.

Raymond Simoneau, 42, of Rockingham, Vermont, 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 and were extinguished by fire department personnel.

A Blue Point woman, 68, was driving a Toyota Camry eastbound on the LIE when her vehicle was involved in the crash.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Approximately 33 people were injured and were transported to area hospitals including Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, Brookhaven Memorial Hospital in East Patchogue, Stony Brook University Hospital and St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson.

At least one of those injured, a 57-year-old man, is in serious condition.

The Long Island Expressway is closed eastbound at exit 66 and westbound at exit 69. The road will be closed for several hours, officials said. Westbound traffic should be reopened in time for the Thursday morning rush.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT ON THE LIE

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