Investigation Underway After Fatal Crash on Long Island Expressway

nysftd2024
Feb 9
2 min read

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 📰 News Articles About the Crash & Investigation

Jamaica motorist killed in chain reaction collision on Long Island Expressway near Flushing Meadows Corona Park (QNS) – Local Queens outlet reporting the fatal collision and ongoing investigation.
Fatal Queens LIE crash may have been sparked by snow improperly cleared by Sanitation (Yahoo/NY Daily News) – Reports that snowplow practices are being investigated as a possible factor.
Deadly LIE crash under investigation; NYPD looking into whether snow was moved into roadway (Yahoo) – Another summary of the investigation into snow clearance procedures.

🧾 Additional Report (Contextual Background, Not Focused on Snowplow)

Carlos Astimbay Killed in Queens Semi-Truck Accident on Long Island Expressway (Richmond Vona) – A general report on the crash details, though not focused on the snowplow investigation.