A
75-year-old man from Holbrook died at the scene of a multi-vehicle accident that closed the area Monday afternoon, according to officials.
Police say the accident happened shortly after 3:15 p.m. and claimed the life of Richard A.
Riggs.
According to authorities, a white Jeep Grand Cherokee and Range Rover were traveling eastbound
on the Southern State Parkway east of exit 38 operating erratically. They say the Jeep and the Range Rover
attempted to pass in between two vehicles, a Toyota Prius and a Mitsubishi
Outlander, which caused a collision. Officials
say the collision resulted in the Range Rover exiting the roadway
onto the right shoulder and into the tree line. The Mitsubishi Outlander
lost control, struck a tree and overturned,
coming to rest on the right shoulder. The Toyota Prius struck the cement
jersey barrier coming to rest in the left lane, east of the scene. Police say the two occupants of the
Range Rover were witnessed being picked up by the white Jeep and fled the
scene. Officials later
determined the Range Rover was stolen.
A photo from the scene appeared to show one of the vehicles completely
overturned.
Viewers who witnessed the crashed commented our
Facebook
page their condolences.
“I passed this going westbound," said witness Dara Morgen. "It was horrific!!!!
Cars everywhere and covered with hundreds of
Amazon boxes all over three lanes.
I’ve never seen anything like This. The pain I felt in my heart after seeing
what I saw tonight is
unimaginable. It was so sad. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to everyone
involved and their families.”
News 12 spotted cars opting to take side roads to avoid the area, along with
vehicles turning around directly on the parkway to avoid the congestion.
State Police are asking witnesses and those with information to reach out to
them at 631-756-3300.
News 12
contacted Amazon to find out more information on the scattered boxes, we have
yet to hear back.