Diana Kutateladze Faces Charges After Deadly Multi‑Car Crash
Late Sunday night on the Southern State Parkway near Malverne, a devastating crash killed two elderly passengers and injured multiple drivers and passengers. The wreck began just after 10 p.m. in the westbound lanes near Exit 17S when 36‑year‑old Oceanside resident Diana Kutateladze lost control of her vehicle.
Witnesses say Kutateladze, driving with a passenger, first sideswiped a car in the left lane. Her car then veered across the center median and into the eastbound lanes, still moving westbound against oncoming traffic. What followed was a chain of collisions that involved six vehicles and ten drivers.
Among the eastbound cars struck was a black Toyota Highlander carrying 82‑year‑old Donald Maxwell and 88‑year‑old Liscent Maxwell. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Their family members later described them as devoted parents and active members of their community.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene. Several people were taken to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to serious. At least one person remains in critical condition, according to officials.
The Southern State Parkway was closed between Exits 15 and 17 for about seven hours as investigators processed the scene and vehicles were removed. The closure caused significant delays for overnight commuters and emergency personnel.
State police preliminarily believe excessive speed and driver impairment contributed to the crash. Kutateladze was taken into custody and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, second‑degree assault, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.
As police continue their investigation, families of the victims and members of the surrounding communities are left grappling with loss. Discussions about highway safety and impaired driving have resurfaced in the wake of the tragedy.
