WEST HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — An emergency rescue truck operated by the Thiells Fire Department crashed into a residential building in West Haverstraw shortly after midnight Thursday while responding to a reported boating incident on the Hudson River, leaving several people injured and causing extensive damage to the home.
According to authorities, the Thiells Fire Department’s underwater search-and-rescue vehicle was traveling east on Railroad Avenue and crossing Route 9W when it collided with a white Jeep that was traveling north on Route 9W. The impact sent the rescue truck down an embankment and into a home located at 4 East Railroad Avenue.
The building sustained significant structural damage. Officials said the force of the collision shifted the house from its foundation and caused extensive cracking throughout the structure, raising concerns about whether the residence can be repaired or will need to be demolished. The Rockland County Fire Collapse Team was called to the scene to stabilize the building and assist in safely removing residents.
A family, including young children, was inside the home at the time of the crash. One adult resident was transported to a hospital for treatment. In addition, four to five first responders who were inside the rescue truck and the driver of the Jeep were also taken to area hospitals, including Montefiore Nyack Hospital and Westchester Medical Center. Authorities said all of the injured are expected to recover, and some have already been released from medical care.
Investigators said the Jeep was being driven by a 17-year-old. Police issued the driver a ticket for operating a vehicle after dark with a junior license. Officials have not indicated whether any additional charges are being considered, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
The rescue vehicle had been responding to a reported boating emergency at the West Haverstraw Marina when the collision occurred. Authorities have not released information regarding the nature of the boating incident or whether it was connected in any way to the crash.
The incident occurred just hours after a nearby Fourth of July celebration had drawn large crowds to the area. Officials noted that the situation could have been considerably worse had the streets still been filled with pedestrians and traffic from the festivities.
Roads surrounding the crash scene were temporarily closed overnight as emergency crews worked to secure the area, remove the damaged rescue vehicle and evaluate the stability of the structure. The roadway has since reopened.
Officials have not yet released the names of those involved, and no information has been provided regarding the estimated cost of the damage. Investigators from local police agencies and fire officials continue to examine the circumstances that led to the collision.
As of Thursday afternoon, authorities said the investigation remains active and additional details are expected to be released as they become available.
