Two 66-year-old women in Long Island struck by a rolling car.
Two senior citizens were involved in a troubling incident in Long Island on Tuesday afternoon, when a vehicle rolled backward, striking them as they attempted to exit. According to the Suffolk County police department, the accident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. outside a residence in Huntington.
The vehicle, a 2020 Mazda, was being driven by Lee Radigawas, who was stepping out of the car when it unexpectedly began to move in reverse. In a desperate attempt to re-enter the vehicle, Radigawas sustained minor injuries as her arm was run over.
Accompanying her in the passenger seat was 66-year-old Susan King. King also faced injury during the chaotic sequence when her leg was struck by the moving vehicle as she attempted to exit. Police identified the nature of King’s injury as serious but confirmed that it was not life-threatening. Both women received medical treatment at Huntington Hospital following the incident.
In addition to injuring the passengers, the rolling car caused collateral damage by rolling over nearby bushes and colliding with another parked vehicle. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the vehicle’s unexpected backward motion, particularly as it occurred on what appears to be a sloped road. As of now, it remains unclear if law enforcement issued any citations related to this incident.
Witnesses and members of the public who might have additional information are encouraged to come forward to assist in the investigation. Law enforcement officials are looking to gather details that may clarify the circumstances leading up to this unsettling event.
The incident raises critical questions regarding vehicle safety and the responsibilities of drivers to ensure their vehicles are securely parked before exiting. As authorities continue to investigate this case, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with seemingly mundane actions, such as exiting a parked vehicle.
For now, both Radigawas and King are recovering from their injuries, while the community awaits further updates from police regarding the investigation’s progress.