Tragic Accident on The Thruway in Ulster County Claims Life

A deadly crash is under investigation after a wrong-way driver caused a multi-vehicle collision on the New York State Thruway in Ulster County, NY.

Wrong-Way Crash on Thruway in Saugerties, NY

According to the New York State Police, the crash happened around 9:11 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in the northbound lanes of Interstate 87 (Thruway) between Exits 19 and 20 in the town of Saugerties, NY.

Once on scene, troopers began an investigation that revealed a 2025 Toyota was traveling in the wrong direction, heading southbound in the northbound lanes, when it slammed into multiple vehicles.

Multiple Vehicles Involved, Driver Killed

Investigators say the Toyota struck three vehicles that were all traveling northbound at the time, including a 2022 Honda, a 2020 BMW, and a 2017 Ford F-150.

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The driver of the Toyota, later identified as 42-year-old Joseph Mensah-Otoo of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was ejected during the crash and, sadly, pronounced dead at the scene.

Several Others Hurt, But Expected to Recover

Police say six other people were injured in the crash, including drivers and passengers from both New York and Massachusetts.

Those injured include:

• A 37-year-old man from New City, NY
• A 59-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman from Cohoes, NY
• Two 19-year-old men from Dalton, MA
• A 19-year-old man from Hinsdale, MA

All six, who have not been identified, were taken to Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston, with what officials described as non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation Ongoing

State Police say the investigation into the crash is still ongoing, including how and why the driver ended up driving the wrong way on the Thruway.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information is urged to contact the New York State Police.

When more information is available, we will update this article.