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Police: Driver Killed In Weather-Related LIE Crash

MELVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The severe weather that pummeled Long Island Wednesday also contributed to a deadly car accident in Melville.

According to Suffolk County Police, a man driving a Jeep Liberty westbound on the Long Island Expressway near exit 49 lost control of his vehicle at around 5 a.m.

Police said the victim's Jeep was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, then pushed into the cement center divider before bursting into flames.

The driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was being held pending family notification.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, 52-year-old Joseph Bonilla Jr., of Central Islip, suffered minor injuries.

Bonilla's truck is owned by JVB Transport and was carrying waste oil at the time of the crash, police said.

Based on a preliminary investigation, authorities said the crash appeared to be weather-related. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the accident is urged to call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.

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