Woman in ‘critical condition’ after crash
Update: The woman injured in Monday morning’s four-car accident is listed in “critical condition” at Stony Brook University hospital, according to a hospital official.
Original Story: A Coram woman was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries after crossing into oncoming traffic on Route 25 in Wading River Monday morning and smashing into three vehicles, Riverhead Town police said.
Three other people suffered minor injuries in the crash, police said.
Police said Melinda Covino-Costanza, 39, of Coram was driving a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe compact SUV eastbound near Fink’s Farm about 7:40 a.m. when she crossed into the westbound lane and struck a 1993 Mercury driven by Daniel Sheppard, 62, of Mattituck.
Ms. Covino-Costanza kept driving east and collided with two other vehicles, a 2000 Dodge pickup truck driven by Sean Gordon, 38, of Jamesport and a Chrysler 300 sedan driven by Calverton resident Richard Murdock, 57, before stopping in front of the farmstand, police said.
Riverhead and Suffolk County police closed off Route 25 as Wading River and Ridge fire crews rushed to the scene.
Ms. Covino-Costanza was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center with “serious physical injuries,” according to a police report issued about 3:30 p.m.
An airlift was called to take her to the hospital, but she was taken by Wading River ambulance crews by ground instead because she couldn’t be stabilized, said Wading River Fire Chief Jim Evans.
Mr. Murdock, Mr.Gordon, and Mr. Sheppard were taken by Wading River, Ridge and Riverhead ambulance crews to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries, police said. There were no passengers in any of the vehicles, police said.
Police impounded all of the vehicles for a safety inspection.
Ms. Covino-Costanza was issued a traffic violation for driving on worn-out tires, though the investigation is continuing.
Mr. Gordon was cited for unlicensed driving, according to the report.
Investigators are asking that any witnesses to the crash call (631) 727-4500 ext.326.
All calls will be kept confidential.
Correction: An earlier version of this story stated Ms. Covino-Costanza was airlifted to Stony Brook University hospital. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
