SAUGERTIES, NY — New York State troopers are investigating a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 87 in Ulster County that left one man dead and six other people injured. The collision happened late April 26 in Saugerties, between Exits 19 and 20.
Authorities said the crash unfolded after a driver entered the northbound lanes in the wrong direction.
What did troopers say happened on I-87?
Troopers said they were called around 9:11 p.m. to a report of a wrong-way driver on I-87 northbound in the Saugerties area. Their preliminary findings say a 2025 Toyota was traveling southbound while moving through the northbound lanes.
The Toyota then struck three vehicles: a 2022 Honda, a 2020 BMW and a 2017 Ford F-150.
Who died in the crash?
The driver and only occupant of the Toyota was identified as 42-year-old Joseph Mensah-Otoo of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Investigators said he was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
No other deaths were reported in the crash.
Who was injured and where were they taken?
Six other people were hurt and taken to Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston. State police said all six had non-life-threatening injuries.
The injured included a 37-year-old man from New City, a 59-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, both from Cohoes, and three 19-year-olds from Dalton and Hinsdale, Massachusetts.
What happens next in the investigation?
The crash remains under investigation, according to troopers. State police have not said what led the Toyota to enter the wrong side of the interstate or whether any additional charges or findings are expected.
For now, officials are treating the case as an active fatal crash inquiry in Ulster County.
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