1 Driver Arrested 3 Months After Fatal 3-Car Crash On Route 59

RAMAPO, NY — One of the drivers in the three-car crash Jan. 28 on Route 59 was charged Wednesday with manslaughter and other charges.

SEE: 3-Vehicle Crash Closes Route 59 For Hours Saturday In Ramapo

The crash happened at around 10 a.m. at the intersection of Airmont Road, on a section of Route 59 described by commenters on the Ramapo Police Department's Facebook page as one of the worst intersections in the county, plagued by heavy traffic, tricky turns and reckless drivers.

Police said Sherlyne Bazile of Mahwah, New Jersey was driving a 2012 Nissan Rogue east on Route 59. The Nissan entered the intersection at Airmont Road, crossed over into the westbound lane of Route 59 traffic and struck a 2021 Hyundai Sonata being operated by an 85-year-old resident of Montebello. Both the Nissan Rogue and the Hyundai Sonata then struck a tow truck that was being operated by a 58-year-old resident of Airmont, NY, which was also in the westbound lane of traffic.

The drivers were transported to area hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. The operator of the Hyundai Sonata succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Now Bazile, 41, faces two felony charges: second-degree manslaughter and first-degree reckless endangerment; plus two misdemeanor charges, third-degree assault and reckless driving.

Neither alcohol intoxication nor drug impairment are suspected as contributing factors in the crash, police said.

Bazile was arraigned by the Honorable Judge Straus, Village of Airmont, and
released without bail as per NYS bail reform laws with a future court appearance, police said.