Two people were seriously injured, and a big rig driver is facing multiple charges after a crash in New York last weekend. This incident serves as a serious reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
According to a media release from the New York State Police (NYSP), on Saturday at approximately 1:39 p.m., troopers from the Kingston and Wurtsboro barracks responded to a serious motor vehicle collision involving three vehicles on State Route 28 in the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County.
NYSP’s preliminary investigation determined that a 2018 Freightliner—a commercial truck—operated by Oscar A. Madrid, 41, of Somerset, NJ, was traveling eastbound on State Route 28 when it struck a 2020 Mazda. The force of the collision reportedly caused the Mazda to cross into the westbound lane, where it collided with a 2025 Subaru traveling westbound.
Injuries Sustained
The occupants of the three vehicles sustained varying degrees of injury:
- The operator and passenger of the Subaru, both from Wappingers Falls, NY, sustained minor injuries and were treated at Kingston Health Alliance Hospital.
- The operator (28-year-old male) and passenger (35-year-old female) of the Mazda, both from Newburgh, NY, sustained serious injuries. They were airlifted from the scene to Albany Medical Center. The 35-year-old female is currently listed in critical but stable condition, and the 28-year-old male driver is listed in stable condition.
- The operator of the Freightliner, Oscar A. Madrid, and his passenger were not injured in the crash.
Charges Filed Against the Driver
Following their investigation, the New York State Police arrested and charged the commercial driver, Oscar A. Madrid, with the following:
- Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Driving (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
- Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations (Uniform Traffic Tickets)
Madrid was processed at State Police Kingston and subsequently released on an appearance ticket. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Shandaken Court on October 28.
A Crucial Safety Reminder for Truckers
This serious accident highlights the critical importance of defensive driving, maintaining proper following distances, and strictly adhering to all traffic laws. As professional drivers, we must remember that a lapse in attention or judgment can have devastating consequences for others on the road. Safety is always the number one priority in the trucking industry.