A tragic two-car collision on the New York State Thruway near Exit 24 in Albany left one driver dead and eight others hospitalized Monday evening, according to officials with the New York State Police.
The crash occurred around 6:45 p.m. as one vehicle attempted to merge onto the Thruway. A preliminary investigation found that the merging car entered the highway in the path of an oncoming vehicle, leading to a violent collision that shut down a portion of the roadway for hours.
Five people — two adults and three minors — were in the vehicle entering the Thruway. Police said the driver was transported to Albany Medical Center with critical injuries and later died. The passengers in that car, along with four adults from the second vehicle, were also hospitalized.
Troopers from Troop T and investigators from Troop G’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation remained at the scene late into the night as crews diverted traffic off Exit 24 and cleared debris. By 9:30 p.m., State Police said traffic flow had begun to resume, though the investigation is still active and the victim’s name has not yet been released pending family notification.
Context and Community Impact
The Thruway corridor near Exit 24 is among the Capital Region’s busiest sections, especially during evening travel hours. Crashes at on-ramps are a recurring safety concern statewide, with transportation analysts noting that improper merging remains a leading factor in multi-vehicle collisions.
Local residents responding online expressed sympathy for the families involved and gratitude for first responders. “It’s heartbreaking to hear minors were involved. Praying for everyone hurt,” one Albany resident wrote in a community forum.
As investigators continue to review dashboard footage, witness statements, and roadway evidence, authorities emphasize that more information will be released when available. For now, the incident serves as another reminder of how a single moment on the road can alter multiple lives.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new details emerge.
