Long Island Expressway Eastbound: 9-Vehicle Collision Near Van Dam Street Injures 4, Causes Major Delays on February 27, 2026

QUEENS, NY — A multi-vehicle collision involving nine vehicles on the eastbound lanes of the Long Island Expressway (LIE) near Van Dam Street in Queens resulted in four injuries and significant traffic disruptions on Friday morning, February 27, 2026. The incident, which occurred during the peak morning commute, prompted a swift response from emergency services and caused extensive backups affecting thousands of daily commuters, including many residents traveling to and from the Cross Bay Boulevard area.

According to initial reports from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and fire officials, the crash took place just before 8:00 AM. Details regarding the exact cause of the collision were not immediately available, but early indications suggest a chain reaction on the busy highway. The four injured individuals were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to an EMS spokesperson. Their identities have not been released.

Significant Delays Reported on Major Eastbound Lanes

The accident's location, a critical stretch of the LIE, meant immediate and severe consequences for eastbound traffic. Lanes were closed for several hours to facilitate emergency response, vehicle removal, and accident investigation, causing gridlock that stretched for miles. Commuters attempting to access the LIE from various points across Queens, including those originating from or passing through the vicinity of Cross Bay Boulevard, faced extraordinary delays. Alternate routes, such as the Grand Central Parkway and local surface streets, quickly became saturated, creating a ripple effect of congestion throughout the borough.

Real-time traffic applications and local radio stations advised drivers to avoid the area or seek alternative transportation methods. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus services and subway lines experienced increased ridership as frustrated motorists abandoned their cars for public transit. The prolonged disruption underscores the fragility of Queens' transportation infrastructure when key arteries like the LIE are compromised, directly impacting the daily lives and schedules of residents in communities connected by Cross Bay Boulevard.

Emergency Services Respond to Complex Accident Scene

First responders, including NYPD, FDNY, and EMS units, converged on the scene to manage the complex incident. Firefighters worked to secure the area and address any potential hazards, while paramedics attended to the injured. The scale of the collision, involving nine vehicles, required a coordinated effort to clear the roadway safely and efficiently. Tow trucks were dispatched to remove the damaged cars, a process that contributed to the extended lane closures.

Investigators are currently working to determine the sequence of events that led to the pile-up. While no immediate arrests were made, the NYPD traffic collision investigation unit was present to gather evidence and witness statements. Public safety officials consistently remind drivers to maintain safe following distances and remain vigilant, especially during congested periods on major highways. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for large-scale accidents on Queens' busiest roadways, with repercussions felt across the entire borough's commuting network.

Key Points:

• A 9-vehicle collision occurred on the Long Island Expressway eastbound near Van Dam Street on February 27, 2026.
• Four individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals.
• The accident caused major traffic delays for several hours, impacting Queens commuters, including those from the Cross Bay Boulevard area.
• Emergency services, including NYPD and FDNY, responded to the complex scene.
• Investigation into the cause of the multi-vehicle crash is ongoing.