Available 
SMITHTOWN, Suffolk County, N.Y., Sept. 18, 2026 — One person was critically injured on Thursday morning, September 17, after a two-vehicle crash at Veterans Memorial Hwy and North Dr in Smithtown. Fire officials reportedly used hydraulic rescue tools, commonly called the jaws of life, to free a trapped driver.
The crash happened just after 6 a.m., the Smithtown Fire Department said. Two vehicles collided at the intersection, and one driver became trapped inside a vehicle, according to fire officials. Crews removed the driver's side door to reach the person inside.
Authorities said multiple people were hurt in the crash, though the exact number and their conditions have not been released. One person is listed in critical condition, according to officials. The extent of injuries to others involved has not been made public.
The intersection was partially shut down while crews worked the scene, according to the fire department. It's unclear when the roadway fully reopened. The cause of the crash has not been released and remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
What Actually Cuts Down on Serious Injuries in Intersection Crashes
Intersection crashes like the one in Smithtown usually come down to a mix of road design and split-second decisions. Signal timing that gives drivers enough time to clear an intersection, better lighting at night, and left-turn phases that separate opposing traffic have all been shown to cut down on the kind of high-speed, broadside impacts that trap occupants inside a vehicle. Some communities have also converted busy intersections to roundabouts, which slow traffic and reduce the angles at which vehicles can strike each other.
Even when a crash happens, what's inside the vehicle matters. Seat belts keep occupants from being thrown into the steering wheel, dashboard, or each other, and modern side airbags and reinforced door frames are designed to keep the passenger compartment intact long enough for rescue crews to respond. Newer vehicles with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warnings have also been credited with softening the force of impact before a crash even happens.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure reflects how sometimes vehicle safety features and quick emergency response end up mattering as much as the crash itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm involved in an intersection crash?
Move to safety if possible, call 911, and stay put until emergency crews arrive, especially if anyone is trapped or injured. Avoid moving an injured person unless there's an immediate danger like fire.
What injuries are common in two-vehicle intersection crashes?
Broken bones, head and neck injuries, and internal injuries are common, particularly when a vehicle is struck on the side or when occupants are pinned inside.
What typically causes crashes like this one?
Common factors include failure to yield, running a red light or stop sign, distracted driving, and speeding through an intersection. Investigators typically review signal timing, driver statements, and vehicle data to determine cause.
Does speed affect how serious a crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds mean more force at impact, longer stopping distances, and a greater chance that occupants are seriously hurt or trapped.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Smithtown, NY
If you're involved in a crash in Smithtown, check yourself and any passengers for injuries before doing anything else, and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries like whiplash or internal bruising don't show symptoms immediately.
Stay at the scene until police and fire crews clear you to leave, and cooperate with responders documenting the crash. Once you're safe, follow up with your doctor if new symptoms appear in the days after, and keep any paperwork from the responding agencies for your records.
