2 die in Southern State Pkwy. wrong-way crash; Oceanside woman faces DWI charge

SUV crossed median and barreled into oncoming traffic in Hempstead

An elderly couple were killed and multiple people injured

Two people died and several others suffered injuries Sunday night when an Oceanside woman lost control of her SUV on the Southern State Parkway, crossed the median and slammed head-on into oncoming traffic, police said.

New York State Police said the chaos unfolded about 10:13 p.m. west of Exit 17S in Malverne.

Diana Kutateladze, 36, was heading west in a 2020 Cadillac Escalade when the SUV sideswiped a gray BMW traveling in the left lane, troopers said.

The Escalade then spun out of control, crossed the center median and continued moving west in the eastbound lanes, striking multiple vehicles before samshing head-on into a 2016 Toyota Highlander, killing two elderly relatives inside, authorities confirmed.

In total, six vehicles and 10 drivers and passengers were involved in the violent chain-reaction crash.

Two passengers in the Highlander — Donald Maxwell, 82, and Liscent B. Maxwell, 88, of Westbury — died at the scene, police said.

Several other people involved in the collision were taken to nearby hospitals. One person suffered critical injuries, while the remaining injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

State police said preliminary findings indicate speed and alcohol-related impairment were contributing factors in the crash.

Kutateladze was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, first- and second-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree assault, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.

The parkway was closed for hours in both directions.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have video footage is asked to contact state police at 212.814.9597.

_{Top: GLI stock photo}