Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
A three-car collision on the Napeague stretch near the Ocean Colony Resort Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026, resulted in serious injuries to three people, according to police. The accident prompted a major emergency response, with multiple ambulances and the Suffolk County medevac helicopter called to the scene as detectives launched an investigation that was ongoing as of Tuesday afternoon.
Bruce Stonemetz, the chief of the Amagansett Fire Department, confirmed Tuesday afternoon that three people were injured in the crash. One victim required extrication from their vehicle, while another victim was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, he said. The Fire Department turned the scene over to police after completing their emergency response operations.
The severity of the crash created significant traffic disruptions throughout the day. Police posted on Facebook around noon that a detour had been established using Napeague Meadow Road to redirect traffic around the accident scene. By 1 p.m., authorities announced that a single lane of travel had been opened “using the westbound shoulder, allowing for intermittent traffic to pass the scene,” according to the police Facebook post.
Despite the ongoing investigation and significant emergency response, police had not issued an official statement regarding the crash as of 2 p.m. Tuesday. Detectives were still working to determine the cause of the collision and gathering evidence at the scene throughout the afternoon.
The involvement of the Suffolk County medevac helicopter underscored the serious nature of the injuries sustained in the crash. The helicopter transport typically indicates life-threatening or critical injuries requiring immediate trauma care at a major medical facility. Stony Brook University Hospital serves as a regional trauma center for serious accident victims across Long Island.
The need for vehicle extrication suggests at least one of the vehicles sustained significant damage that trapped an occupant inside. Fire department personnel would have used specialized equipment to safely remove the victim from the wreckage before medical personnel could provide treatment and transport.
Location & Road Context
The crash occurred on the Napeague stretch near the Ocean Colony Resort, a well-known area that connects East Hampton to Montauk. This section of roadway runs through a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Napeague Bay, making it a critical transportation corridor for the eastern end of Long Island. The area sees heavy traffic, particularly during spring and summer months as visitors travel to and from Montauk.
The establishment of a detour using Napeague Meadow Road indicates the main roadway was completely blocked for an extended period, forcing all traffic onto secondary roads. The eventual opening of a single lane using the westbound shoulder demonstrates the significant impact the crash had on traffic flow through this vital corridor connecting the South Fork communities.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
Suffolk County Police detectives were actively investigating the crash as of Tuesday afternoon, working to determine the cause and circumstances that led to the three-car collision. The ongoing nature of the investigation suggests authorities are conducting a thorough examination of the scene, potentially including accident reconstruction specialists.
No charges or citations had been announced as of Tuesday afternoon, with police focusing on their investigation before releasing an official statement about the incident. The involvement of detectives indicates the serious nature of the crash and the need for a comprehensive investigation into what caused the multi-vehicle collision.
Broader Impact
This crash adds to a concerning pattern of serious traffic incidents in the East Hampton area over the past year. Recent related incidents include a fatal DWI crash that killed an East Hampton high school student in June 2025, resulting in multiple convictions and lengthy prison sentences for repeat DWI offenders. The Napeague corridor’s role as the primary route to Montauk makes any serious accident on this stretch particularly disruptive to both local residents and the tourism economy that depends on safe, reliable access to the eastern end of Long Island.