Van Carrying 12 Children Rolls Over on New York State Thruway, Multiple Injured
NEW WINDSOR, NYÂ – A serious rollover crash involving a van carrying 16 people, including 12 children, occurred Saturday afternoon on the New York State Thruway in Orange County, leaving multiple passengers injured but all with non-life-threatening conditions.
Incident Details
The crash happened at approximately 3:40 p.m. on May 31, 2025, in the southbound lanes of Interstate 87, just south of Exit 17 in the town of New Windsor. According to the New York State Police investigation, a 2014 Chevrolet Express van struck the rear of a 2026 Subaru Outback that was slowing for traffic.
The impact caused the van to roll over, coming to rest in the left-hand lane, while the Subaru spun onto the right-hand shoulder and struck a sign post.
Passengers and Injuries
The van was occupied by 16 people total:
- The driver
- 15 passengers, including 12 children ranging in age from one to 12 years old
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
Members of the New Windsor Fire Department had to extricate a female passenger who was riding in the front seat of the van. She was transported by helicopter to Westchester Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The van’s driver and four children were treated at Garnet Health Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. The remaining passengers from the van were treated at St. Luke’s Hospital, also for non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Subaru was transported to Garnet Health Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Citations Issued
New York State Troopers issued tickets to the van’s driver for failing to properly restrain five of the children in the vehicle, highlighting the importance of proper child safety restraints during travel.
Traffic Impact
The crash blocked the left-hand lane of the southbound Thruway, causing significant traffic delays during the Saturday afternoon travel period. Emergency crews worked to clear the scene and assist the injured passengers.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper vehicle safety measures, especially when transporting children, and maintaining safe following distances on busy highways.
