A driver was airlifted to the hospital following a crash near Exit 50 that closed the eastbound Long Island Expressway Monday morning.

A black van slammed into the back of a box truck near Exit 50. The impact was so severe that News 12 was told first responders had a hard time separating the two vehicles.

The driver of the van was trapped inside and injured. He had to be cut out of the vehicle.

Officials say he suffered serious injuries and was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital by police chopper.

All lanes have since reopened.