CLARKSTOWN, N.Y., June 21, 2025 – A devastating early morning crash involving a passenger vehicle and two tractor-trailers has left one person dead and shut down a major artery of the New York State Thruway near the Palisades Center mall. The incident has caused significant traffic delays as authorities continue their investigation.

The New York State Police reported that the fatal collision occurred at approximately 3:13 a.m. on the southbound side of the Thruway (I-87) near Exit 12 in Clarkstown. According to preliminary reports, a passenger vehicle became entangled in a collision with two tractor-trailers.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. It is not yet clear if there were any other injuries sustained in the crash.

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, all southbound lanes of the Thruway were closed at Exit 14, with traffic being diverted, causing extensive backups for early morning commuters and weekend travelers. Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes and expect significant delays.

By mid-morning, two of the three southbound lanes had been reopened, but the left lane remained closed for ongoing accident reconstruction and repair to the guide rail, which was damaged in the collision.

The cause of the crash is currently under active investigation by the New York State Police. Officials have not yet released any details regarding the sequence of events that led to the tragic incident.

This is a developing story. Further information will be released as it becomes available from the investigating authorities.