The Eighth Squad is investigating a fatal vehicle accident that occurred in Hicksville on Sunday, Sept. 28 at approximately 5:15 a.m.

According to detectives, a 1994 Ford mini-van was proceeding southbound on Jerusalem Avenue when for unknown reasons, the operator lost control and struck a tree. The vehicle then collided into a second tree, south of Maglie Drive, and burst into flames on impact.

Hicksville firefighters, under the direction of Chief Patrick McGeough, responded to the call from police at 5:18 a.m. When they arrived, firefighters found the car completely engulfed in flames. Since parts of the car flew off in many directions, and a fender and wheel were found over a six-foot fence, firefighters used a Thermal Imaging Camera to check for any other victims that might have been ejected from the vehicle upon impact. No other victims were found.

The Nassau County Police Department and Emergency Services Unit closed off Jerusalem Avenue in both directions for several hours and deemed the area a crime scene. A utility pole was damaged and telephone and cable service in the area was lost due to damage caused by the fire.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the Nassau County Medical Examiners Office for identification. The vehicle was impounded. As of press time, the victim had not yet been identified.