PA Man Killed In Fiery Crash After Police Pursuit

NEWBURGH, NY — A Pennsylvania man was killed in a car crash after being pursued by police for 23 miles. State police said, around 9:40 p.m., troopers stopped a 2001 Toyota Tacoma outfitted with a tow dolly on the northbound Taconic State Parkway in the Town of East Fishkill.

The vehicle was driven by Thomas E. McGrath, 50, of Cresco, PA. Police said he was wanted on several warrants.

McGarth fled from the scene and a pursuit was begun.

Police followed him onto Interstate 84 westbound across the Newburgh Beacon Bridge into the Town of Montgomery.

Town of Newburgh police assisted in the pursuit.

Around 10:20 p.m., McGrath tried to pass a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder, but his tow dolly came into contact with the other vehicle.

That caused McGrath to lose control of his car, and it overturned.

Troopers tried to get McGrath out of the vehicle when it became fully engulfed in flames.

McGrath was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the driver of the Pathfinder complained of neck pain and was taken to Orange County Medical Center for evaluation.

The pursuit lasted about 20 minutes and covered 23 miles.

The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Get Patch’s daily newsletters and news alerts right in your inbox.

Image via Shutterstock.