Actor Alec Baldwin and his brother Stephen escaped unharmed after Baldwin’s SUV veered off a rain-slicked East Hampton road and slammed into a tree on Monday. The actor blamed the crash on a “garbage truck the size of a whale” cutting him off. Authorities confirmed that no one was injured. No charges were filed.
Police said the crash happened around 12:01 p.m. on State Route 27. Baldwin’s white 2023 Range Rover, registered to his wife Hilaria Baldwin, left the eastbound lane to avoid a turning 2020 Mack truck. The truck was operated by National Waste Services of Bay Shore, New York. According to a statement from the East Hampton Police Department, the SUV “struck a tree on the eastbound shoulder of the roadway while avoiding the turning action” of the truck. Officers cited “slippery and wet roadway conditions” as contributing factors.
Baldwin recounted the episode in a video posted to Instagram. He explained that the near-collision occurred as he and Stephen were leaving town after the Hamptons International Film Festival. “To avoid hitting him, I hit a big fat tree,” he said. He described how he “crushed my wife’s car” in the process. “I’m fine, my brother’s fine,” he assured followers.
The actor, 67, praised officers for their professionalism and kindness. “The cops were as nice as can be,” Baldwin said. “They came to my aid.” Relaxed but shaken, he gestured to the damage: “My wife’s car is pretty smashed up. Big fat tree.”
Baldwin closed his video expressing thanks to his family as he headed to California. “I’m going to L.A. to see my family, can’t wait,” he said. “Going to California to gather my family out there for a few days. I’m still so proud of my wife. Hilaria, I love you more than anything. I’m fine.”
Stephen Baldwin, 59, was also uninjured. He later confirmed through a spokesperson that he was “grateful no one was hurt.” The brothers were in the Hamptons for the film festival. Alec serves as co-chair of the Board Executive Committee. Earlier in the week, Baldwin had been spotted in Buffalo, N.Y., attending the Buffalo International Film Festival before returning to Long Island. He shared a video of himself eating dinner in Buffalo on Oct. 11.
The crash coincided with a powerful nor’easter that drenched much of the Eastern Seaboard. The storm has caused widespread coastal flooding from North Carolina to New Jersey. It brought down trees and knocked out power in several areas. Heavy rains and high winds also caused delays and cancellations at major airports in Boston and New York, according to The Weather Channel. Officials said slick roads were likely a factor in numerous traffic incidents reported Monday.
Dashcam footage obtained by The Daily Beast appeared to show Baldwin’s SUV trailing the garbage truck closely before veering right. The SUV clipped a mailbox and hit a tree. The video did not confirm that the truck had cut him off, though authorities have not disputed Baldwin’s account.
For Baldwin, this fender-bender is far less serious than past controversies. The “30 Rock” actor remains under scrutiny regarding the 2021 “Rust” shooting in New Mexico that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. While involuntary manslaughter charges were dismissed in 2024 due to questions over evidence handling, the case remains under discussion.
Monday’s crash appears to have no legal ramifications or serious consequences. Police issued no citations, and both Baldwins declined medical treatment. As Baldwin reflected, he said, “That’s all fine. I’m fine, and my brother’s fine.”
