Melville, NY (May 15, 2026)
A large sinkhole opened on the Long Island Expressway in Suffolk County on Thursday afternoon, disrupting traffic and nearly swallowing part of a vehicle.
The hole appeared in the westbound lanes near Exit 49 in Melville shortly after 1:00 p.m. Authorities said the opening measured roughly 10 feet wide and 8 feet deep, forcing emergency crews to close two lanes as repair work began.
One vehicle partially entered the sinkhole before coming to a stop. No injuries were reported.
The right and center westbound lanes were closed while crews worked to secure the area and repair the damaged pavement. The left lane and HOV lane remained open, though drivers were urged to use alternate routes as delays built ahead of the evening commute.
State transportation crews responded to the scene and began emergency repairs, with officials indicating that the lane closures could remain in place for at least 24 hours.
The incident created major concern for drivers on one of Long Island’s busiest roadways and comes during a season when potholes and pavement failures are a frequent hazard across the region.
Motorists are being reminded to slow down near work zones, avoid sudden lane changes, and report dangerous road conditions to state transportation officials.
Monster sinkhole swallows car on LIE, sends other drivers skidding out of control
@sophiabhall1 reports
Sophia Hall, Jeffrey Jimenez pic.twitter.com/DA4tcT02j4
— 1010 WINS on 92.3 FM (@1010WINS) May 14, 2026