Diana Kutateladze Oceanside NY Accident Death

Two people were killed and several others injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Long Island late Sunday night, leading to the arrest of an Oceanside woman accused of causing the collision, authorities said.

Police identified the driver as Diana Kutateladze, 36, who was operating a 2020 Cadillac Escalade on the Southern State Parkway shortly after 10 p.m. on March 15. The crash occurred near Exit 17 South in the Town of Hempstead.

Investigators with the New York State Police say the incident began when Kutateladze’s SUV sideswiped a gray BMW traveling westbound. Authorities allege she then lost control of the vehicle, crossed the median dividing the roadway, and entered eastbound traffic, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving several vehicles.

Among those struck was a Toyota Highlander carrying Donald Maxwell, 82, and Liscent B. Maxwell, 88. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency personnel responded quickly, transporting injured victims to local hospitals. One individual was reported to be in critical condition, while others were treated for less severe injuries.

Police believe both excessive speed and impairment were contributing factors in the crash. Kutateladze was taken into custody and now faces a series of charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, assault, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.

The Southern State Parkway, a heavily traveled roadway connecting many Long Island communities, was closed for several hours while investigators processed the crash scene and cleared debris.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or recorded video from the area to contact state police as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deadly collision.