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Shirley, NY (August 22, 2026) – Four drivers were injured on Thursday, August 20, after a chain-reaction accident on Montauk Highway in Shirley.
The accident happened around 3:30 p.m. at Camp Upton Road. A 2023 Nissan driven by a 22-year-old Shirley woman was traveling west when a 2011 Mitsubishi operated by a 69-year-old Selden woman struck it.
A 70-year-old Mastic Beach woman was driving a 2007 Toyota westbound and swerved to avoid the Mitsubishi, then hit it. The Mitsubishi then struck a U.S. Postal Service vehicle driven by a 55-year-old Shirley man that was waiting in an eastbound left-turn lane.
All four drivers were taken to NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk in East Patchogue with non-life-threatening injuries. All four vehicles were towed, while traffic backed up along Montauk Highway and nearby streets. The circumstances surrounding the chain-reaction wreck are still being reviewed.
We hope everyone hurt makes a full recovery.
What Happens After a Chain-Reaction Crash?
Chain-reaction crashes can involve several vehicles within a short period. A vehicle may strike another car, causing drivers nearby to brake, swerve, or change direction suddenly.
Drivers should leave enough space between vehicles to allow time for braking. Maintaining a safe following distance can reduce the chance of striking a vehicle ahead when traffic slows unexpectedly.
After a multi-vehicle accident, medical evaluation may be recommended even when injuries initially appear minor. Some symptoms, including pain, stiffness, or headaches, may become noticeable later. Vehicle damage can also vary widely, depending on where each vehicle was struck and how the vehicles moved during the sequence.
