Truck Crashed Into Hofstra Pedestrian Bridge, Caused Massive Delays

HEMPSTEAD, NY — A truck with an extended crane hit one of Hofstra University's pedestrian overpasses yesterday, causing massive delays on Hempstead Turnpike and closing the walkway indefinitely.

The crash occurred a little after 2 p.m., when the lifted bed of a truck used to haul dumpsters crashed into the bridge, known as the unispan, according to Newsday. The walkway crosses over Hempstead Turnpike and connects the student center and library on the north and south sides of Hofstra's campus.

News 12 reported that the driver of the truck was hospitalized for injuries. The crash shut down Hempstead Turnpike for hours.

The unispan is closed indefinitely, until repairs can be made and it can be deemed safe. Hofstra officials said the school is working with the Town of Hempstead and the state Department of Transportation to figure out what repairs need to be made to the unispan.

While the unispan is closed, students can use one of the two other walkways to cross over Hempstead Turnpike. In addition, police and public safety officers will be on Hempstead Turnpike to help students cross safely.