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Police: Two Dead After Car Crosses Into Oncoming Traffic On Kings Highway

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - A violent crash early Sunday morning on Kings Highway between Snyder Avenue and Church Avenue in East Flatbush has left two female corrections officers dead.

The accident happened around 4:45 a.m. when the driver of a Nissan Murano traveling northbound lost control of her car, crossing into the southbound lanes of traffic, police said.

1010 WINS' Eileen Lehpamer reports

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A grey Ford Explorer heading southbound struck the passenger side door of the Murano.

The driver of the Explorer, a 23-year-old man, was taken to Kings County Hospital in stable condition. Sources told 1010 WINS the man is an off-duty police officer.

The driver and the passenger in the Murano were taken to Brookdale Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival, police said.

They have been identified as corrections officers for the city.

"This morning all of the men and women of the NYC Department of Correction are mourning the deaths of CO Tiffany Underwood, 31, and CO Africaque Smith, 43.  An untimely death is always a tragedy and often feels more so during the holiday season.  I speak for everyone when I extend heartfelt condolences to our two officers' families, friends and coworkers," DOC Commissioner Dora Schriro said in a statement to 1010 WINS Sunday morning.

A bloody makeup bag and an Elmo doll littered the roadway Sunday morning, as crews worked to remove the badly damaged SUVs, 1010 WINS' Eileen Lehpamer reported.

"That's a tragedy. They must have family, how are they going to feel?" one neighbor told 1010 WINS' Eileen Lehpamer.

Police are still looking into whether speed, alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash.

No arrests have been made in the case and an investigation is ongoing.

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