Hempstead Turnpike [7-21-14]

On the evening of July 21st an MTA PD Emergency Services Unit traveling eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike was nearly struck by a vehicle that had crossed the median from the westbound side of the roadway. While careening out of control the vehicle took down at least two light poles and left a significant trail of debris. Immediately the officers left their truck and tended to the driver of the vehicle. When the officers made their way to the driver, the lone occupant in the single vehicle crash, they found him in cardiac arrest and began CPR. The officers radioed for help – requesting a forthwith response. A Nassau County Police Ambulance was quickly on scene and transported the male victim to nearby Nassau University Medical Center. Despite the valiant efforts of those involved the driver succumbed to his injuries and did not survive. The East Meadow Fire Department was notified of this accident and was on scene within minutes. Firefighters help to secure the area and requested a forthwith response from the electric company due to the downed poles and wires. The Uniondale Fire Department also had units on the scene as some callers placed the accident on the southbound Meadowbrook State Parkway – inside of Uniondale’s district. The scene was left in the hands of the Nassau County Police Department. The early indication was that the driver may have suffered a medical emergency causing him to veer across the roadway; however, the official cause remained under investigation.