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In the early hours of June 29, 2026, a tragic accident transformed New York City into the scene of a severe aviation-related disaster. A multi-vehicle crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway (LIE) near the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, claiming two lives and leaving over twenty injured. The incident involved a charter shuttle service transporting crew members from Royal Jordanian Airlines who had recently concluded their long-haul journey on Flight RJ261 from Amman to New York JFK.
The collision took place around 11:45 p.m. near the Greenpoint Avenue exit in Maspeth, Queens. The crew, who had just flown more than eleven hours across the Atlantic, had landed safely at JFK at approximately 9:45 p.m. local time. They were en route to their layover accommodation in Midtown Manhattan when the devastating event transpired, resulting in an immediate emergency response from local authorities.
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This chaotic accident began on the westbound side of the Long Island Expressway—a vital route for both commuters and airport-bound traffic. Preliminary investigations suggest that the charter bus first collided with two separate vehicles while speeding westward.
Following the initial crash, the shuttle lost control, striking the center divider at high impact. This caused the bus to overturn, crossing the concrete barrier into the path of oncoming eastbound traffic. The subsequent impacts resulted in a multi-lane disaster, affecting numerous vehicles on both sides of the expressway.
The proximity of this crash to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel led to heightened traffic delays, forcing emergency responders to manage both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the expressway. With a significant number of injuries reported, first responders activated mass casualty protocols, mobilizing fire rescue teams, police units, and paramedics to the scene.
Two fatalities were confirmed at the scene of the crash. Among the deceased were the shuttle bus driver and a flight attendant from Royal Jordanian Airlines, both in the vehicle when the accident occurred. Emergency medical teams quickly transported more than twenty other individuals who sustained injuries of varying severity to prominent trauma centers throughout New York City, including Bellevue Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Queens.
Due to the nature of the high-impact trauma injuries, these hospitals implemented emergency intake procedures to accommodate the influx of victims. While several crew members were injured, they are reported to be in stable condition after receiving medical attention.
The crew involved in the incident had just completed Royal Jordanian Flight RJ261, a scheduled route connecting Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. This particular flight, designated as RJ8261 due to a delayed rotation, typically utilizes a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, known for its efficiency on international routes.
The departure for this flight experienced a significant delay of approximately five hours before making the eleven-hour journey. After successfully landing at JFK around 9:45 p.m., the crew boarded a chartered shuttle arranged for their transfer to a Midtown Manhattan hotel, which was when the tragic collision unfolded.
There were 15 Royal Jordanian crew members aboard the shuttle, including two Thai national flight attendants who were part of the international roster. Following the incident, Royal Jordanian Airlines issued a statement from their Amman headquarters, confirming the loss of one crew member and the shuttle driver, while assuring that the remaining crew members were receiving appropriate care in New York hospitals.
The airline is actively collaborating with local authorities and emergency services in New York City to facilitate ongoing medical support and to assist with the investigation.
The New York Police Department has initiated a comprehensive investigation to ascertain what led to this catastrophic collision. Preliminary information regarding the shuttle bus driver revealed a concerning history of traffic violations, including speeding and unsafe driving behaviors.
Investigators are meticulously analyzing potential factors such as driver errors, mechanical issues, and road conditions to determine the precise cause of the crash. Surveillance footage, vehicle data logs, and eyewitness testimonies are being scrutinized as part of the inquiry efforts to piece together the timeline of this tragic event.
The Long Island Expressway in the vicinity of the Queens-Midtown Tunnel serves as a crucial conduit for both commuter and airport transit. This tragic incident resulted in extensive traffic disruptions during the night, causing significant congestion.
Emergency services had to partially close the expressway while addressing the aftermath of the crash, hindering connectivity between Queens and Midtown, which is essential for airport shuttle services and commuting.
The involvement of flight crew from an international airline has compelled a closer look at safety protocols governing airport ground transport. Various authorities, including aviation and transportation regulators, are assessing current standards and procedures for shuttle services that cater to international airline crews.
The ongoing review will likely focus on driver vetting systems and safety measures for all airport-related ground transfers, particularly in major transportation hubs like New York City.
Image: Royal Jordanian
Source: The post Royal Jordanian Flight RJ261 Amman–New York JFK Crew Horror Unfolds in Deadly Multi-Vehicle Crash on Long Island Expressway Near Queens-Midtown Tunnel in New York City, Killing Two and Injuring Dozens After Midnight Shuttle Tragedy first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
