Lynbrook crash requires rescue

Three females were rescued from a four-door sedan by police and firefighters after the vehicle crashed into light poles and the 7-Eleven on Merrick Road near Taft Avenue in Lynbrook just before 2:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 20.

Lynbrook firefighters, under the command of Chief Danny Ambrosio, were dispatched to the scene for a reported “motor vehicle accident, car into a building, and entrapment.”

Lynbrook police and fire chiefs were first to respond and were able to get the driver and the front passenger out of the vehicle, which was wedged between two poles and the front wall of the 7-Eleven. The rear passenger, however, was trapped in the backseat.

Firefighters from Tally-Ho Engine 3 began using their cutting tools to cut the doors off on the passenger side while Truck Company used their cutting tools to remove the rear passenger door on the driver’s side.

At the same time, an EMT from Northwell Hospital ambulance climbed into the front seat to stabilized the rear passenger while firefighters worked to free her.

According to Ambrosio, the solid framework of the interior of the vehicle, plus the air-bag deployment helped prevent the occupants from more serious injuries.

Once the doors were removed, the rear passenger was safely extricated and placed on a stretcher. Two of the vehicle’s occupants were transported to South Nassau by Northwell ambulances while Lynbrook’s Emergency Medical Company ambulance transported the other victim. All were originally listed in serious condition, according to fire and police officials.

According to Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Paladino, the driver was subsequently arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Firefighters were finally released just before 4 a.m.