Cops: Pedestrian airlifted after being struck on Route 58

A pedestrian crossing Route 58 near Ostrander Avenue was struck by a GMC pickup truck heading westbound and suffered “serious” but not life-threatening injuries, according to Riverhead police Sgt. Harry Hill.

The 47-year-old Riverhead man, Joseph Mannino, was airlifted from nearby Bishop McGann-Mercy High School to Stony Brook University Hospital via a Suffolk police medevac, police said in a follow-up press release. The accident occurred about 9:12 a.m. when Mr. Mannino headed south across Route 58 in front of the Speedway gas station.

The 61-year-old Riverhead man who was driving the truck, and was the only occupant, was not injured and no charges are expected at this time, Sgt. Hill said, although the cause of the accident is still under investigation. The New York State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit assisted in the investigation police said. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check.

Police closed off eastbound Route 58 at the traffic circle to investigate the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to call Riverhead police at 631-727-4500, ext. 326.

Photo caption: Riverhead police closed off eastbound Route 58 near Ostrander Avenue Thursday morning. (Credit: Nicole Smith)