Cops Investigating County Road 39 Crash

Southampton Town police have impounded both vehicles that were involved in a collision Tuesday on County Road 39 — which resulted in a stretch of the four-lane highway being closed for six hours — as the investigation into the cause of the crash continues.

Police said the crash, involving a 2012 Mercedes Benz and a 2004 Western Star truck, was reported at 1:56 p.m. on County Road 39 near the Inlet Road intersection. The collision caused substantial damage to both vehicles and debris and vehicle fluids were spread on all lanes of the highway, according to police.

The was called in to extricate the driver of the Mercedes Benz, who was then treated by and airlifted by Suffolk County police helicopter to Stony Brook University Medical Center, police said.

Police did not reveal the driver's condition.

The driver of the truck refused medical attention, according to police.

The New York State Police Forensic Unit and Motor Carrier Unit assisted in the investigation of the accident scene, and the Suffolk County Department of Public Works cleared the roadway, police said. The highway remained closed until the investigation was complete and County Road 39 was deemed safe.

Receive updates to this story and other breaking news in your inbox or smartphone by signing up for our newsletter here

During the time the highway was closed between Hill Station Road and Exit 66, traffic was diverted around the accident. The other main artery in Southampton, Montauk Highway, was also backed up for hours. Many drivers had their batteries die or their cars run out of gas as they sat in traffic. Residents of the Hill Street area handed out food and water to motorists.

Many commuters stayed behind in Southampton Village for hours, waiting for traffic to clear up before heading home.