Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Loop Parkway was shut down on Memorial Day after an auto accident left eight people injured, one of whom had to be airlifted by a Nassau County Police Department helicopter to Nassau University Medical Center.
According to Chief Brian Guerin of the Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department, the accident — which involved two cars — took place on the drawbridge in the northbound lane at 5 p.m.
In total, eight people were injured, all of whom were taken to Nassau County Medical Center. Guerin was unable to comment on the exact conditions of those injured in the accident. The New York State Police, which has jurisdiction on the parkway, was unavailable for comment as of press time.
Guerin said that the Merrick and Long Beach Fire Departments assisted the Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department, with a total of 24 firefighters on scene. Both the Long Beach and Merrick Fire Departments sent one ambulance each, while Point Lookout-Lido supplied two ambulances and Nassau County sent six ambulances to assist in the effort. Both Nassau County and State police were also on hand.
The Loop Parkway was closed in both directions for 30 to 45 minutes and caused major delays as many motorists were returning home from South Shore beaches on a busy Memorial Day, Guerin said. The accident also led to major traffic congestion on the Meadowbrook Parkway and Lido Boulevard.
“It was a busy, busy day,” Guerin said. “The volume of cars made it a big deal. The sheer volume [of traffic] was just so much,” Guerin added, noting that the congestion made it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach the area of the accident scene.
Comments about this story? CEngelhardt@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
