Taxi driver seriously hurt in crash into Suffolk Transit bus

A taxi driver was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital on Tuesday evening after being seriously injured when his cab struck the rear of a Suffolk County Transit bus in Bohemia, Suffolk police said.

The crash occurred on Veterans Memorial Highway at Orville Drive at 6:52 p.m.

The injured driver was identified by police as Michael Lupo, 33, of Centereach. Police said Lupo suffered "severe leg and chest injuries" -- and was transported by Suffolk police helicopter after receiving initial treatment at the scene by responders from Community Ambulance Company of Sayville. He was in serious condition Wednesday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The cab, a 2003 Ford operated by Islandwide Taxi, was eastbound on Vets Highway when police said it hit the rear of the bus, which was stopping for a red light.

The bus driver, identified as Cecilia Ortiz-Lopez, 65, of Babylon, was not injured, police said. Police said a male passenger also was uninjured.

The bus was inspected at the scene by officers from the Suffolk police Motor Carrier Safety Section. The taxi was impounded for a safety check.

The investigation is continuing and police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call Fifth Squad detectives at 631-854-8552.

With Ellen Yan