A sinkhole that partially swallowed the front of a car on the Long Island Expressway has led to the closure of multiple lanes, according to police, just as the afternoon rush was set to begin.
The sinkhole developed after 1 p.m. near Exit 49N in Melville, with the entire front end of a sedan squarely in the hole, video from Chopper 4 showed. The hole that developed is about 10 feet wide and eight feet deep.
The Suffolk County Police Department said the right and center lanes on the westbound side of the LIE were closed at Exit 49 as a result. Police advised drivers to avoid the area.
No injuries were reported, though the silver Honda with New Jersey plates partially in the hole did have its airbags deployed.
The lane closures are expected to last at least 24 hours, stretching into Friday afternoon, according to police.
It was not immediately clear what caused the roadway to collapse. Crews at the scene examined a nearby storm drain, though it was not known if the collapse was in any way connected to a potential drainage issue.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.