Fiery Crash Kills 2, Knocks Out Power for Hundreds on Long Island: Police

At least two people were killed, one person was injured and hundreds were without power after a garbage truck T-boned a BMW on Long Island early Saturday morning, toppling power lines and causing the SUV to burst into flames, police said.

The accident happened around 4:15 a.m. in Inwood as the BMW was traveling south on Sheridan Boulevard and the private garbage truck was headed west down Bayview Avenue. Residents say they heard a loud boom as the garbage truck T-boned the BMW from the right, sparking a fire that consumed both vehicles.

At least two people were in the BMW at the time of the crash. They both died at the scene, police said. The driver of the garbage truck was taken to an area hospital. He is expected to survive his injuries.

About 300 people were without power after the accident, police said. Power was restored to all customers by early Saturday evening, utility officials said.

Both vehicles were visibly burned and mangled Saturday morning as police continued to investigate. One investigator said that the bodies of the victims in the BMW SUV were so badly charred that it would be hard to identify them.

“It’s going to be very difficult to identify the bodies right now,” Det. Lt. Richard LeBrun said.

Police were still trying to determine if anyone else was in the BMW Saturday morning.

The intersection remained closed at 9:15 a.m. and was littered with twisted power lines and debris from the crash.

As of 9:45 a.m., Sheridan Boulevard is closed in both directions between Bays Water Boulevard and Nassau Avenue due to the accident. Bayview Avenue is also closed between Doughty Boulevard and Sheridan Avenue. Motorists should expect delays and should avoid the area.

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