By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-09-14 22:36:30 | Updated at 2026-09-14 23:40:02
1 hour ago
A car burst into flames after smashing into a toll plaza on Long Island Monday, killing the driver who was trapped inside leaving their remains burned beyond recognition, according to state police.
The crash at the entrance of the Sunken Meadow State Park was so violent that police said they can’t even make out what type of vehicle it was.
The horrific crash happened shortly after 11 a.m., when troopers were dispatched to the northern end of the Sunken Meadow Parkway, where the vehicle slammed into an empty toll booth and burst into flames outside the popular Smithtown park, police said in a press release.
Firefighters at a vehicle crash and fire at the tollbooth at Sunken Meadow State Parkway on Monday. Evan Rolla
Firefighters respond to a vehicle crash and fire at the tollbooth at Sunken Meadow State Parkway. \ Evan Rolla“One deceased occupant was located inside the vehicle,” the troopers said. “Due to the extensive damage caused by the crash and fire, investigators are working to determine the identity of the deceased occupant and the make and model of the vehicle.”
The crash shut down the entrance to the park, with troopers and local cops turning vehicles away while working the scene, Newsday said in a report.
The fire was finally doused by Smithtown firefighters shortly before 1 p.m., the outlet said.
State police said troopers, state park police and Suffolk County cops also responded, with the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation now leading the probe.
