2 Tractor-Trailers Crash; I-87 Closed For 12 Hours

NEWBURGH, NY — State Police are investigating a serious commercial vehicle crash that occurred on Interstate 87 near mile marker 63.3 in the Town of Newburgh Monday around 3:52 p.m. The initial findings indicate that the first vehicle — a tandem tractor-trailer hauling recycled aluminum cans — was going southbound on I-87 near mile marker 63.3 in the right lane.

It was slowing for an active construction scene which also contained an unrelated motor vehicle crash.

The second vehicle — another tractor-trailer — was traveling at a high rate of speed and rear-ended the tandem tractor-trailer.

The rear tandem trailer of the first vehicle was lifted and came to rest on top of both the tractor and trailer of the second vehicle.

Charles L. Irish, 55, of Greenwich, NY, was the driver of the first vehicle. He was treated at the scene and released.

The driver of the second vehicle — Daniel Brodeur, 44, of La Patrie, Quebec — had to be extricated from the cab of the trailer by Cronomer Valley Fire Department.

He was airlifted by Life Net to Westchester Medical Center with serious injuries.

Police said I-87 was closed for about 12 hours due to the severity of the crash, the recovery of both compromised trailer loads and the cleanup of the related diesel fuel spill.

State police were assisted on scene by Cronomer Valley Fire Department, Newburgh Ambulance, Life Net, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Troop T Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and the Troop T and Troop F Collision Reconstruction Units.

Photo credit: NYSP.