Driver killed in fiery single-vehicle crash in Oakdale late Monday night, Suffolk County police say

Police are investigating the cause of a fiery single-vehicle crash that left a driver dead in Oakdale.

The crash involved a 2014 Jeep Wrangler that was traveling east about 11:10 p.m. Monday on Montauk Highway when it crossed into the lane going west, left the road and went into a wooded area, catching fire, Suffolk County police said.

The crash occurred just south of the eastbound Sunrise Highway service road, police said in a statement.

Police said the driver, who had not yet been identified, was alone in the Jeep and died at the scene. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call Fifth Squad detectives at 631-854-8552.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”