Car accident in New York claims two lives

Two people have been tragically killed in a single-vehicle crash on Long Island, according to police. New York authorities are still piecing together the cause of the car accident that killed two unidentified individuals on the early morning of Dec. 18. They have asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash to please come forward with statements to help them determine the cause. 

Details are sketchy at this time, but it has been confirmed that an SUV was traveling eastbound on Woodbury Road in Hicksville around 6:00 a.m. when the crash occurred. It appears the driver of the vehicle may have lost control, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and crash through a fence. The vehicle then struck a tree with enough force to cause the vehicle to explode into flames. 

Witnesses have reported the flames were substantial enough that it appeared an entire house was on fire. Neither individual in the vehicle was able to escape the blaze, and both were pronounced dead at the scene by medical and emergency personnel when they arrived. Further investigation will be necessary to determine the cause of the crash and to identify the victims. 

New York police will continue to coordinate with local sources to find the cause of the car accident. The family of the deceased passenger may be in a position to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver’s estate once both individuals are positively identified by authorities. In order for such a suit to be successful, the complainants would have to provide compelling evidence of material contribution to the accident by the driver, either by way of negligence, recklessness or intoxication, among other possible contributing factors. 

Source: CBS New York, “2 Dead After Car Hits Tree, Catches Fire In Hicksville, Police Say“, Dec. 24, 2016