Truck Bursts Into Flames on Long Island Expressway

A tractor-trailer loaded with goods destined for Costco became fully engulfed in flames on the Long Island Expressway Thursday morning.

According to fire officials, the truck burst into flames in the eastbound lanes between Exit 51 and 52 at about 5:25 a.m.

While Dix Hills firefighters battled the blaze, an accident involving a pregnant woman occurred in the westbound lanes opposite the fire scene at about 6 a.m. The woman was transported to Huntington Hospital by the Dix Hills Rescue Squad.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in about an hour. No injuries from the fire were reported.

The eastbound lanes of the LIE remained closed as the NYS Department of Transportation crews worked with a payloader and trucks to remove debris from the expressway.

The firefighters and four engines at the scene were under the direction of chief Robert Fling and first assistant chief Tom Napolitano.

Photos by Matt Schwier