Crash in Elmont kills 2

Two people were killed early Sunday when the minivan they were in crashed into a utility pole in Elmont after fleeing from police, authorities said.

Killed in the crash were Eduardo Sosa Zapata, 23, of Westbury, and a passenger, Jackeline Reyes, 22, of Bellmore, police said.

Police said the van had sped away after a Highway Patrol officer began to investigate the passengers. Police said they were seen arguing in a green 1995 Dodge Caravan, so an officer began his investigation near 99 Main St. in Hempstead.

The officer was outside his car when the driver of the Dodge van backed up and hit the patrol car, police said. The Dodge then sped east on Center Street, police said.

Officers from the Fifth Precinct then saw the Dodge speeding westbound on Hempstead Turnpike when the van struck a 2002 Ford headed north on Meacham Avenue, police said. Police said that vehicle, driven by a 22-year-old man, was making a left turn onto Hempstead Turnpike. The Dodge careened from the collision and struck a utility pole shortly after 4:15 a.m., police said.

Authorities said Zapata was driving. He and Reyes were pronounced dead at the scene. Attempts to reach their families were unsuccessful. The driver of the Ford declined medical attention at the scene, police said.

An investigation is ongoing, police said.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.com,john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury,

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.