NEW CASTLE, NY – A tragic accident on the Taconic State Parkway in Westchester County has claimed the lives of four individuals, authorities reported late Sunday. The collision, which involved two vehicles, occurred when a van traveling southbound veered into the northbound lanes, resulting in a devastating crash with another car.
Eyewitnesses captured the immediate aftermath on cell phone video, revealing a fiery scene that left both vehicles engulfed in flames. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the intensity of the blaze made it challenging to reach the victims in time.
The identities of the victims have not been released, pending notification of their families. However, officials confirmed that all three occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the van also succumbed to injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital.
Investigators are working diligently to determine the cause of the van’s sudden lane change. While no official statement has been made regarding potential factors such as driver impairment or mechanical failure, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This tragic incident has left the community in mourning, with many expressing their condolences and support for the families affected. Local residents have highlighted the need for increased safety measures on this stretch of the parkway, which has been the site of several accidents in recent years.
In response to the accident, traffic on the Taconic State Parkway was temporarily halted, with detours established to manage the flow of vehicles. The roadway has since been reopened, but the investigation continues.
The Westchester County Executive’s office issued a statement expressing deep sorrow for the lives lost and emphasized the county’s commitment to improving road safety. As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with the reality of this heartbreaking event.