One dead, 33 injured in Long Island crash

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SHIRLEY, N.Y., Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Police said a woman was killed and 33 others injured on Long Island, N.Y., when a big rig driver lost control of his truck, causing a massive pileup.

Witnesses said the 18-wheeler crashed into several cars on the Long Island Expressway and then burst into flames, the New York Post reported.

The Post said the accident occurred about 2:50 p.m. Wednesday and more than 40 vehicles were involved.

Witnesses sad the truck driver barely got out of his vehicle safely, the newspaper said.

Police said they were not sure why the truck driver lost control and were investigating the accident.

Police had not released the name of the woman who died, but said she was a 68-year-old from Blue Point.

The Post said the expressway was closed in both directions for hours.