NEWBURGH – State police say the tractor-trailer collision that shut down the Thruway south for 10 hours, Monday afternoon and evening was likely caused by one of the big rigs going too fast.
(State Police photo)
Initial investigation by State Police at Newburgh suggests a tandem tractor-trailer hauling recycled aluminum cans, was southbound on Thruway near Exit 17, in the right lane slowing for an active construction zone which also contained an unrelated crash.
A second tractor-trailer, traveling at a high rate of speed rear-ended the tandem tractor-trailer resulting in the rear tandem trailer of vehicle one to lift, and then finally come to rest on top of both the tractor and trailer of vehicle two.
The operator of the first truck, from Greenwich, NY, was treated on scene and released. The operator of second truck, from La Patrie, Quebec, was trapped in the tractor cab, extricated and flown to Westchester Medical Center with serious injuries.
The Thruway was closed for approximately 12 hours for the cleanup.
State Police were assisted on scene by Cronomer Valley Fire Department, Newburgh Ambulance, Life Net, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Troop T Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, the Troop T and Troop F Collision Reconstruction Units.
