Fatal Wrong-Way Collision on I-87 Claims One Life, Injures Six
SAUGERTIES, NY — A devastating wrong-way crash on the New York State Thruway resulted in a fatality and multiple injuries Sunday night. New York State Troopers from the Albany Thruway barracks are currently investigating the multi-vehicle accident, which occurred on April 26, 2026.
The Incident
At approximately 9:11 p.m., authorities received reports of a vehicle traveling the wrong way on I-87 northbound between Exits 19 and 20. Preliminary findings indicate that a 2025 Toyota was heading southbound in the northbound lanes when it collided with three other vehicles:
- A 2022 Honda
- A 2020 BMW
- A 2017 Ford F-150
Casualties and Injuries
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 42-year-old Joseph Mensah-Otoo of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. He was ejected during the collision and pronounced dead at the scene.
Six additional individuals involved in the crash were transported to Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston. While their injuries are reported as non-life-threatening, the victims include:
- A 37-year-old man from New City, NY.
- A 59-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, both from Cohoes, NY.
- Two 19-year-olds from Dalton, MA.
- A 19-year-old from Hinsdale, MA.
Ongoing Investigation
State Police are continuing to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash to determine why the Toyota was traveling in the wrong direction. No further details regarding the condition of the survivors have been released at this time.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends during this time of tragic loss. We stand with our community in offering our sincere thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
