State Police Investigate a Fatality Involving 6 Vehicles on Interstate 84 in Orange County
Troop F Commander
PRESS RELEASE
On July 13, 2016 at approximately 12:20 pm, 4 vehicles (2016 White Hyundai Sante Fe, 2016 Freightliner Tractor Trailer, 2014 Mitsibushi Outlander, 2003 Sprinter Van towing a small utility trailer) were stopped in traffic in the left lane of Interstate 84 westbound near mile marker 28. The right lane of Interstate 84 was closed due to an upcoming construction zone. A 5th vehicle, (2010 Dodge Truck), is slowing in traffic approaching the stopped traffic when it is struck from behind by a 6th vehicle (2004 Freightliner Tractor Trailer). The force of the 2004 Freightliner Tractor Trailer striking the Dodge Truck causes the Dodge, which is occupied by two adults, to flip over approximately four times coming to rest in the grassy center median. The Tractor Trailer continues into the rear of the Sprinter Van, which is occupied by two adults, crunching the van into the Mitsibushi, which is occupied by two adults and a nine year old male. The impact causes the Mitsibushi to crumble underneath the 2016 Freightliner, driven by sole occupant, and push the Freightliner into the 2016 Hyundai Sante Fe, which is occupied by two adults.
Occupants of the Mitsibushi and Sprinter Van were trapped inside the mangled vehicles and had to be extracted out. The passenger of the Sprinter Van, identified as CHRISTOPHER MARKS, age 43, of Chester NY was pronounced at the scene by Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office. The injured were taken to area hospitals (Orange Regional Medical Center, St Lukes in Newburgh and Cornwall Campuses) including several that were flown to Westchester County by Medivac.
Investigation is continuing with charges pending.
