Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
A 59-year-old Mastic woman was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash that shut down westbound rush-hour traffic on Sunrise Highway in North Bellport for several hours Thursday morning, according to police. Waldina Sanchez was driving west in her Toyota Corolla at approximately 5:25 a.m. when she lost control of the vehicle and struck the center median, Suffolk Police reported.
After rebounding from the median impact, Sanchez attempted to reenter the traffic lanes when her Toyota was struck by a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, police said. The collision occurred during the peak morning commute period, creating significant traffic disruptions for westbound travelers on the busy highway corridor.
Emergency responders transported Sanchez to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was listed in serious condition, according to authorities. The pickup truck driver, Wesley Krupp, 70, also of Mastic, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk in Patchogue for treatment.
The crash forced authorities to close westbound Sunrise Highway for several hours as police investigators documented the scene and crews worked to clear the wreckage, police said. The extended closure created major traffic backups during one of the busiest travel periods of the day, affecting thousands of commuters traveling through the area.
Both vehicles involved in the collision were impounded for safety checks as part of the ongoing investigation, according to police. The crash remains under active investigation by Suffolk Police’s Fifth Squad, with investigators working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to Sanchez losing control of her vehicle.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information about the incident to contact Suffolk Police’s Fifth Squad at 631.854.8552. The investigation will likely examine factors such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driver behavior leading up to the collision.
Location & Road Context
The crash occurred on Sunrise Highway in North Bellport, a heavily traveled east-west corridor that serves as a major commuter route for Suffolk County residents. Sunrise Highway, designated as New York State Route 27, carries thousands of vehicles daily between Nassau County and the eastern reaches of Long Island.
According to Long Island Traffic records, this section of roadway has experienced 311 recorded incidents, indicating it is a location where motorists should exercise particular caution. Recent activity in the area has included multiple roadwork and construction projects on NY 27, which may contribute to changing traffic patterns and road conditions that drivers must navigate.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
The Suffolk Police Fifth Squad continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the early morning collision. As part of the standard protocol for serious injury crashes, both vehicles have been impounded to undergo thorough safety inspections that may reveal mechanical issues or other factors that contributed to the incident.
No charges have been announced at this time, as investigators work to piece together the exact cause of Sanchez losing control of her Toyota Corolla. The investigation will likely include examination of skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, and potential contributing factors such as road conditions or mechanical failure.
Broader Impact
The crash highlights the ongoing safety challenges on Sunrise Highway, particularly during rush hour periods when heavy traffic volume combines with high-speed travel. The center median impact followed by the secondary collision demonstrates how initial loss-of-control incidents can quickly escalate into more serious multi-vehicle crashes, especially during peak traffic periods when vehicles are traveling in close proximity at highway speeds.