Long Island Expressway Accident Today, Both Sides of Long Island Expressway Open To Traffic Following Road Closure Prompted By Crash Near Exit 42
Multiple lanes on the Long Island Expressway (LIE) are now open following a major crash involving a bus and several other vehicles near Exit 42. The accident, which occurred earlier Sunday evening, prompted an immediate shutdown of all lanes in both directions as emergency crews responded to the scene.
The incident brought traffic to a standstill on one of the busiest stretches of roadway in the region. Nassau County police issued a statement shortly after the crash, advising that several lanes remained closed while crews worked to clear the area and investigate the cause of the accident. As of the latest update, the westbound HOV, left, and center lanes of the LIE are still closed, along with the eastbound HOV and left lanes.
“Motorists should be advised the westbound HOV, left and center lanes of the LIE are closed as well as the eastbound HOV and left lane,” the police department stated in a press release distributed Sunday evening.
Video footage from the scene showed a chaotic pileup involving multiple vehicles, including a large passenger bus that appeared to have sustained front-end damage. Debris was scattered across several lanes, and emergency responders were seen directing traffic and assessing the situation. The extent of the damage and number of vehicles involved remains unclear, though authorities confirmed that multiple tow trucks were dispatched to remove wrecked vehicles from the roadway.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and law enforcement has not yet released information about how the collision unfolded or whether road or weather conditions played a role. Details regarding injuries have also not been made public, although officials have not ruled out the possibility of serious injuries given the scale of the wreck.
Traffic on both sides of the expressway was heavily impacted, with significant delays stretching for miles as drivers were rerouted around the closure. Some motorists reported being stuck for over an hour as emergency personnel secured the area.
Commuters are urged to seek alternate routes as cleanup efforts and investigations continue. Transportation officials are working to reopen the remaining closed lanes as soon as possible but have not provided a specific timeline.
Drivers are reminded to exercise caution and remain patient while authorities work to ensure the safety of the roadway. Updates from Nassau County police and local traffic agencies are expected later tonight or early Monday morning as more information becomes available.
The crash marks another reminder of the unpredictable nature of highway travel and the importance of road safety, especially during peak travel times. Motorists with information about the incident are encouraged to contact Nassau County police.
