Authorities in New York are investigating a major multi-vehicle crash on the Southern State Parkway that left two people dead and several others injured late Sunday night.
According to the New York State Police, the crash occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on the westbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway near Malverne, west of Exit 17S. Investigators say the incident involved multiple vehicles and caused significant disruption along the busy roadway.
Troopers reported that a 36-year-old Oceanside resident, identified as Diana Kutateladze, was driving westbound with a passenger in her vehicle when the crash sequence began. Authorities said her car first sideswiped another vehicle traveling in the left lane.
Investigators say the driver then lost control of the vehicle. According to police, the car crossed the center median and entered the eastbound lanes while continuing westbound against oncoming traffic.
Officials said the vehicle subsequently collided with several other cars traveling in the opposite direction. One of those collisions involved a black Toyota Highlander, where two passengers were fatally injured.
Authorities identified the victims as Donald Maxwell, 82, and Liscent Maxwell, 88. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash ultimately involved six vehicles and ten drivers, according to state police. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist those involved and transport injured individuals to nearby hospitals.
Officials reported that several drivers and passengers sustained injuries during the incident. One person remains in critical condition, while others were treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The severity of the crash led authorities to close a section of the Southern State Parkway between Exits 15 and 17. The roadway remained shut down for approximately seven hours overnight while investigators processed the scene and crews cleared the damaged vehicles.
State police say preliminary findings indicate that both excessive speed and driver impairment were contributing factors in the crash.
Kutateladze was taken into custody following the incident. Authorities confirmed she faces several charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, second-degree assault, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.
Investigators continue to review the events leading up to the collision as part of the ongoing case. Crashes involving impaired driving often raise renewed concerns about roadway safety and the risks associated with dangerous driving behavior.
As the investigation continues, many are reflecting on the devastating consequences such incidents can have for families and communities.
What more can communities, drivers, and authorities do to prevent impaired and reckless driving on busy highways?
