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Authorities are investigating whether proper snowplow procedures were followed after a fatal crash on the Long Island Expressway earlier this month that claimed the life of a Queens man. Carlos Astimbay, 50, was driving his Toyota Camry westbound on the LIE near Exit 22 in Flushing on Feb. 6 when he collided with the center median. Moments later, his vehicle was struck by a tractor-trailer. Astimbay was pronounced dead at the scene. A married father of two and a livery cab driver, Astimbay is being remembered by loved ones as a devoted family man who would do anything to support those he cared about. Questions Raised About Snow Removal Practices Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, said the crash may have been preventable. He claims snow that should have been cleared onto the shoulder may have instead been pushed back into active traffic lanes. "If that is true, then this was not just negligence; it was a reckless failure that created dangerous conditions on a major expressway," Mateo said in a statement. Mateo is calling on the New York City Department of Sanitation to provide answers. "We want answers from the New York City Department of Sanitation. If snow and ice were improperly plowed back onto the roadway, we demand an explanation for how this was allowed to happen. Our sources point to serious operational failures, and if those failures cost a life, someone must be held accountable. The NYSFTD will not back down until there is full transparency, responsibility and justice," he said. Official Investigation Ongoing An attorney representing Astimbay's family said they believe snowplow practices may have played a significant role in the crash. Sources told CBS News New York that a supervisor with the Department of Sanitation — the agency responsible for plowing the expressway — has been suspended. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined to comment on the incident, citing the ongoing investigation. Police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Press Links: - Jamaica motorist killed in chain reaction collision on Long Island Expressway near Flushing Meadows Corona Park (QNS): https://qns.com/2025/02/jamaica-motorist-killed-chain-reaction-lie/ - Fatal Queens LIE crash may have been sparked by snow improperly cleared by Sanitation (Yahoo/NY Daily News): https://www.yahoo.com/news/fatal-queens-lie-crash-may-225044761.html - Deadly LIE crash under investigation (Yahoo): https://www.yahoo.com/news/deadly-lie-crash-investigation-nypd-004533498.html
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