Stony Point, NY: A driver was rescued Tuesday morning after becoming trapped inside one of two vehicles involved in a rollover crash on the southbound Palisades Interstate Parkway in northern Rockland County, according to emergency officials. The crash occurred shortly before 7 a.m. between Exits 13 and 14 and prompted a multi-agency response.
Emergency crews arriving at the scene found both vehicles overturned. One of the occupants was pinned inside a heavily damaged vehicle and unable to exit without assistance. Firefighters from the Thiells Fire Department began stabilizing the wreckage before using specialized hydraulic extrication equipment to reach the trapped driver.
Due to the extent of the damage and the limited access to the vehicle, the Thiells Fire Department requested additional extrication equipment from the Hillcrest Fire Department. Firefighters from both departments worked together in a coordinated rescue effort to remove the occupant from the vehicle safely.
Once freed from the wreckage, the injured driver was transferred to Haverstraw EMS personnel for medical treatment and transport. Authorities did not immediately release the driver’s identity, age, condition or destination hospital. No information was provided regarding injuries to any other occupants involved in the crash.
The New York State Police also responded to the scene and are investigating the cause of the collision. As of Tuesday, investigators had not announced what factors may have contributed to the crash, and no information had been released regarding possible citations or charges.
The response involved multiple emergency agencies working together under challenging conditions. Firefighters first secured the overturned vehicles to prevent further movement before beginning the technical rescue. Vehicle extrications often require crews to stabilize damaged vehicles, remove sections of the vehicle’s frame or roof, and create safe access points for trapped occupants while minimizing the risk of additional injury.
Traffic on the southbound Palisades Interstate Parkway was affected while emergency crews worked at the scene and investigators documented the crash. Authorities did not immediately say how long traffic delays lasted or when all lanes were reopened.
The Palisades Interstate Parkway is one of the primary north-south routes through Rockland County and frequently carries heavy commuter traffic, particularly during the morning rush hour. Crashes involving overturned vehicles often require extended emergency operations because of the specialized equipment and personnel needed to safely remove occupants and clear the roadway.
Officials have not released additional details about what led to the rollover or whether weather, speed, roadway conditions or other factors may have played a role. The investigation remains ongoing.
Emergency officials regularly remind motorists to slow down, maintain a safe following distance and remain alert, particularly during periods of heavy traffic or inclement weather. Authorities also encourage drivers approaching emergency scenes to reduce speed and move over whenever it is safe to do so, helping protect first responders working along the roadway.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the New York State Police as the investigation continues.
