2 Killed, Many Hurt In Crash With Amazon Truck, New York Thruway Closed
Police say an Amazon truck driver crashed into five different cars on the Thruway. The accident killed two people and injured at least 4.
On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, just before 8:00 a.m., New York State Police responded to a report of a multi-vehicle crash on I-90 in the town of Guilderland. The accident caused most lanes of the highway in the area to close.
Parts of New York State Thruway Closed
"All eastbound lanes will be closed until further notice. In addition, expect the left lane to be closed westbound between exits 24 and 25 as emergency crews work to U-turn eastbound vehicles near the crash scene," the New York State Thruway Authority tweeted.
A preliminary investigation determined one tractor-trailer and five passenger vehicles were involved in the crash that occurred in the area of mile marker 151.5 eastbound, between exit 24 (Albany) and exit 25 (Schenectady).
On the scene, troopers confirmed two fatalities at the scene and multiple injuries.
Cause of Fatal Accident on I-90
According to police, 53-year-old Larousse Desrosiers of Boston, MA, was operating a 2012 Freightliner, Amazon tractor-trailer eastbound, when traffic began to slow due to congestion.
Desrosiers was unable to avoid the traffic and subsequently struck five vehicles, police say.
The tractor-trailer came to rest after crashing into a fifth and final vehicle, a 2016 Volkswagen, causing both vehicles to catch fire.
Two Dead in Albany County
The driver of the Volkswagen was pronounced dead at the scene by the Albany County Coroner and removed to Ellis Hospital pending an autopsy.
Police later identified the driver as 26-year-old Courtney E. Mahar, of Cobleskill, New York.
The crash also claimed the life of 33-year-old Brian M. Harper, of Rotterdam, NY, who was operating a 2014 BMW when his vehicle was struck by Desrosiers, officials say.
Harper was pronounced dead at the scene and was removed to Ellis Hospital pending an autopsy.
Four Injured
Samantha E. Bonanno, 35, of Amsterdam, NY, driving a 2017 Ford Escape, was transported to Ellis Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Amanda J. Clark, 34, of Schenectady, NY, driving a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, was transported to St. Peter’s Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
James G. Fox, 50, of Virginia Beach, VA, operating a 2017 Audi, was transported to Albany Medical Center for serious injuries and is listed in critical condition. A passenger in the Audi, Anthony W. Squillo, 33, of Glenville, NY, was also transported to Albany Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
Amazon Driver Not Injured, Police Ask For Help
Desrosiers was not injured. He was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert.
"Impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor and the investigation is pending at this time," New York State Police wrote in a press release.
The cause of the crash and any possible charges are pending further investigation.
Troopers continue to ask witnesses to contact Investigator Matthew Spickler, SP Latham, at 518-724-7565 with any information.