New York

2 Dead, 7 Hurt in Fiery Chain-Reaction Crash Near JFK Airport

Two of the injured people have been arrested in connection with the crash; investigators are looking at possible drunken driving as a factor

What to Know

  • Two people are dead and seven others are injured after a fiery, chain-reaction crash on the Nassau Expressway near JFK Airport
  • At least five cars were involved in the wreck and one of those vehicles was completely engulfed in flames
  • The cause of the crash is still being investigated; heavy fog was evident in the area at the time but two people have also been arrested

A fiery chain-reaction crash involving at least five cars on Long Island near John F. Kennedy Airport killed two people and injured seven others, and two of the people who were hurt have been arrested, authorities said early Wednesday.

Five people were taken to hospitals in unknown condition after the multi-car wreck on the Nassau Expressway near Burnside Avenue in Inwood around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday; the other two who were hurt were treated at the scene.

The identities of the two people killed have not been released. Cops responding to the scene found at least one car completely engulfed in flames, and those victims' bodies remained trapped in the charred wreckage for hours. 

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash. Zakiyyah Steward, 25, and and Rahmel Watkins, 35, both of Brooklyn, were both arrested, officials said. Steward is charged with driving while impaired, DWI and possession of marijuana. Watkins is charged with DWI.

Video from the scene shows a massive police presence while investigators search the area as one car sits in the road completely obliterated. 

Nassau Expressway between Burnside Avenue and Bay Boulevard remained shut down for hours following the crash. Travelers were urged to avoid the area during the morning commute.

Contact Us