SUV Overturns on LIE, Driver Hospitalized

A man was airlifted to a local hospital after his SUV overturned on the Long Island Expressway on Tuesday night, police say.

According to authorities, Christopher Wegner, 29, of Wantagh, was driving a 1999 Ford Expedition westbound on the LIE near Bagatelle Road in Melville when he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn on the right shoulder, at 7:34 p.m.

Members of the Dix Hills Fire Department arrived to the scene and used the “Jaws of Life” and other hydraulic rescue equipment to free Wegner who was trapped inside the vehicle, fire officials say.

Wegner was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital by Suffolk County Police helicopter to be treated for a broken hip and a broken femur. Police say he did not sustain any life-threatening injuries.

Wegner’s 24-year-old wife was in the passenger seat at the time of the crash and sustained minor injuries. She was taken to Huntington Hospital by the Dix Hills Rescue Squad.

About 30 Dix Hills volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene with three heavy rescue trucks, three ambulances and paramedic units. All units were under the direction of chief Fling, and assistant chiefs Tom Napolitano, Alan Berkowitz and Joe Williamson.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call the Second Squad at (631) 854-8252

Photos by Dix Hills Fire Department