One Construction Worker Killed, Two Injured
in Work Zone Accident on Long Island
NESCONSENT, NY—One construction worker was killed and two other workers were injured in a work zone accident early Monday, Aug. 10, in Suffolk County.
Newsday reports the driver, Thomas Lobianco, 26, of Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, was charged with driving while impaired in connection with the incident. Patch reports that the three male workers were struck at the intersection of Townline Road and Terry Road at about 6:43 a.m. Joel Sicon-Porix, 38, of Mastic, NY, was pronounced dead. Kevin Chavez-Sarmiento, 30, of Bay Shore, NY, and Jose Gonzalez-Colindres, 33, of Brentwood, NY were hospitalized with serious injuries.
The contractors were working for Suffolk County on a paving project at the time of the crash, police said. The driver reportedly slammed into a fence along Townline Road while allegedly high on drugs, according to a News4 New York report. Police said he had just completed an overnight shift at a nearby 7-Eleven.
Work zone accidents and fatalities continue to haunt government officials and transportation leaders despite educational campaigns and new laws intended to prevent such tragedies. The New York State Thruway Authority announced on Aug. 3 the launch of a statewide public service announcement campaign aimed at educating motorists about New York’s Move Over Law and the dangers of distracted driving.
Titled “They Trust You,” the campaign highlights the responsibility every driver shares to protect highway workers, first responders, tow truck operators and others who work on New York’s roadways. Funded through a $250,000 GTSC Highway Safety Grant, the campaign will run across New York State through the end of September on television, streaming, social media and various digital platforms. PSAs will appear in both English and Spanish.
Published: August 12, 2026.