Seven children and two adults were injured in the one-vehicle crash near Exit 11; all were reported stable Monday afternoon as of 4 pm.
By Kim Anderson
RAMAPO, N.Y. — Nine people, including seven children, were taken to area hospitals Monday after a minivan left the Palisades Interstate Parkway and struck a tree near Exit 11, authorities said.
The crash occurred at approximately 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, in the southbound lanes of the parkway in the Town of Ramapo.
New York State Police stated that a Toyota Sienna was the only vehicle involved in the crash. All nine occupants suffered injuries of varying severity.
Eight people were transported to Westchester Medical Center, while one was taken to Montefiore Nyack Hospital.
Local reports identified the vehicle as a special-needs school van carrying seven children and two staff members. Seven children and one staff member were taken to Westchester Medical Center, while the second staff member was transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital.
By Monday afternoon, all nine occupants were reported to be in stable condition. Several sustained fractures and other injuries, but none was considered to be in critical condition. All of the occupants were reportedly conscious and alert.
Multi-Agency Response
A large emergency response followed the crash. Hatzoloh EMS, Spring Hill Community Ambulance Corps, Rockland Paramedic Services and multiple law enforcement agencies were among those responding to provide medical treatment, secure the scene and investigate the collision.
Early reports circulating on social media described multiple injured or unresponsive patients and referred to the response as a mass-casualty incident. Those preliminary accounts prompted widespread concern, particularly after residents learned that children were among the passengers. However, later updates indicating that all nine occupants were stable brought some relief to community members who had been following the emergency response.
“Standstill! Avoid southbound. Car hit tree,” Debra F. wrote in a local Facebook group shortly after the crash.
Other residents reported seeing numerous ambulances and emergency vehicles near the scene. Kevin D. said he passed the area at about 1 p.m. and saw what appeared to be children receiving assistance from emergency medical personnel.
Rita M., who passed the scene while traveling north, said the van appeared to have struck a tree and that its airbags had deployed.
The crash and emergency response caused substantial delays in the southbound lanes. State Police advised motorists to avoid the area, expect lane closures and use alternate routes while investigators and emergency crews remained at the scene.
2026: Increased Traffic Accidents in Rockland
The collision also renewed a broader conversation among Rockland County residents about driving conditions on the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Rockland News’ focus this year has been to put a spotlight on the increased number of traffic accidents this year, and to remind drivers to practice safe, slower driving.
Several commenters described these issues in Rockland: speeding, tailgating and vehicles weaving through traffic as frequent problems on the roadway. Others called for an increased State Police presence and stronger enforcement.
Karen S. said she often uses local roads to avoid the parkway because she is concerned about unsafe driving. Sharon B., who regularly travels the parkway, similarly warned that motorists often travel too fast and move unpredictably between lanes.
However, authorities had not announced a cause for Monday’s crash, and there was no official indication that speeding, weather, vehicle maintenance or any other factor contributed to the collision. Claims posted online regarding seat-belt use or driver behavior had also not been confirmed.
State Police are continuing to investigate why the Toyota left the roadway and struck the tree.
The name of the organization operating the van and the identities of the driver and passengers had not been officially released as of Monday afternoon. For now, all those involved in the accident are reported to be hospitalized, but out of immediate danger.
This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
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