Updated: New York Tow Operator Struck and Killed on the Long Island Expressway
The 47-year-old tow operator who was struck and killed Saturday, Oct. 8, at 3:20 a.m. while assisting a disabled vehicle on the Long Island Expressway near Queens, New York, has been identified as Carlos Santiago of Howard Beach.
According to hews reports, Santiago and the driver of the disabled vehicle were in the westbound lanes near Woodhaven Boulevard when the driver of a westbound Dodge Durango, who was allegedly driving while intoxicated, lost control of his vehicle and struck a Volkswagen in an adjacent lane. The Volkswagen then struck Santiago, and the Dodge struck the vehicle to be towed, causing it to hit the 27-year-old driver.
Santiago and the disabled vehicle driver were taken to a hospital. The operator died from his injuries, and the vehicle driver was listed in serious condition with leg injuries, police said.
The occupants of the Dodge were taken to a hospital are were listed in stable condition.
The driver of the Dodge was charged with attempted vehicular manslaughter and attempted criminally negligent homicide.
Police are investigating the crash.