Investigation Launched After Fatal LIE Crash Raises Questions About Snow Removal Practices
New York City is grappling with questions surrounding a fatal crash on the Long Island Expressway (LIE) earlier this month, as an investigation intensifies into whether improper snow removal procedures by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) contributed to the incident. The February 6th collision, which claimed the life of 50-year-old Carlos Asitimbay, a Queens livery cab driver, has prompted scrutiny of DSNY protocols regarding snow displacement on highways. While pushing snow into traffic lanes is sometimes employed on city streets to aid in melting, it is explicitly prohibited on highways like the LIE, where higher speeds create more hazardous conditions. The incident underscores the delicate balance between efficient snow removal and public safety, particularly during periods of severe winter weather.
The crash occurred on the westbound LIE near the Van Wyck Expressway exit during a period of bitterly cold temperatures and stubborn, week-old snow accumulation. According to police reports, Asitimbay’s vehicle initially lost control on a slippery stretch of highway, colliding with the median before being struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer. The truck driver sustained injuries and was hospitalized, but Asitimbay succumbed to his injuries at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens. The family of Asitimbay, who had worked as a livery driver for two decades, described him as a devoted husband and father of two children. The investigation is now focused on determining whether snow that had been moved from the shoulder of the highway into traffic lanes played a role in the loss of control.
DSNY Practices Under Scrutiny
The core question driving the investigation centers on whether DSNY personnel violated established protocols by moving snow onto the LIE. The New York City Department of Sanitation, often hailed as “New York’s Strongest,” is responsible for garbage collection, recycling, street cleaning, and snow removal throughout the five boroughs. Established in 1881, the department currently employs 7,957 uniformed sanitation workers and supervisors, alongside 1,661 civilian employees, operating on an annual budget of $2.01 billion for fiscal year 2026, according to the DSNY website. nyc.gov/sanitation But, the specific procedures for snow removal on highways differ significantly from those used on city streets.
While the practice of pushing snow into traffic lanes can be effective in urban environments, accelerating the melting process, it is considered dangerous on highways due to the higher speeds and reduced driver reaction time. The protocol on highways prioritizes maintaining clear lanes of travel, even if it means transporting snow to designated disposal sites. Eyewitness accounts and images from the crash scene reportedly show a significant amount of snow on the highway, raising concerns that DSNY vehicles may have inadvertently created a hazardous condition. A separate fender bender reportedly occurred prior to the fatal crash, potentially indicating the presence of slippery conditions caused by displaced snow.
Mayor Mamdani Addresses Concerns, Investigation Ongoing
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the growing concerns surrounding the crash during a press conference on February 19th, 2026. However, he refrained from providing specific details, citing the ongoing investigation by the New York Police Department (NYPD). “This is currently the subject of an active NYPD investigation, and I can’t provide comment while that is underway, but I will be sure to update you as we have anything to share,” Mamdani stated. The Mayor’s cautious response reflects the sensitivity of the situation and the need to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
Following the crash, a DSNY supervisor was placed on a 10-day unpaid suspension, pending the outcome of the investigation. Sources within the city government confirmed that the NYPD had notified DSNY officials about the potentially dangerous conditions present at the crash site. The DSNY itself has declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation, stating that it is cooperating fully with the NYPD. Joshua Goodman, a DSNY spokesperson, released a statement indicating that personnel or disciplinary action would be taken if deemed necessary and appropriate following the conclusion of the NYPD’s inquiry. yahoo.com
Impact and Potential Policy Changes
The tragic death of Carlos Asitimbay has sparked a broader conversation about safety protocols during winter weather events in New York City. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with snow removal operations and the importance of adhering to established guidelines. The outcome of the NYPD investigation could lead to revisions in DSNY procedures, particularly regarding snow removal on highways. Possible changes could include stricter enforcement of existing protocols, enhanced training for DSNY personnel, and the implementation of new technologies to monitor road conditions during snowstorms.
Beyond the immediate policy implications, the crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by transportation workers and the importance of prioritizing safety in all aspects of infrastructure maintenance. Livery drivers, like Asitimbay, often work long hours in challenging conditions, providing a vital service to the city’s residents and visitors. The incident underscores the need for continued investment in road safety infrastructure and the implementation of measures to protect vulnerable road users.
Key Takeaways
- A fatal crash on the Long Island Expressway is under investigation for potential links to improper snow removal practices by the New York City Department of Sanitation.
- The DSNY is prohibited from pushing snow into traffic lanes on highways, a practice sometimes used on city streets.
- A DSNY supervisor has been suspended pending the outcome of the NYPD investigation.
- The incident has prompted calls for a review of DSNY snow removal protocols and enhanced safety measures.
The NYPD investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. The World Today Journal will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences regarding winter road safety in the comments section below.
