A marked New York State Police vehicle was struck early Sunday morning on the Southern State Parkway, sending a trooper and another driver to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Westbound Southern State Parkway, NY — New York State Police confirmed the crash occurred at approximately 5:47 a.m. on April 12, 2026, just west of Exit 14, when a gray Jeep Wrangler rear-ended a marked patrol vehicle positioned for traffic control.
The patrol car had been placed on the eastbound side of the parkway minutes earlier, around 5:43 a.m., as troopers responded to an initial motor vehicle collision in what authorities described as a hazardous roadway location.
Crash Occurs During Active Traffic Control Operation
According to New York State Police, the impact forced the marked troop car from the right lane across multiple lanes, ultimately pushing it into the center and left lanes of the parkway.
The Jeep Wrangler left the roadway following the collision and came to rest on the right shoulder, police said.
Both the trooper inside the patrol vehicle and the driver of the Jeep were transported to local hospitals. Authorities confirmed that both individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
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Key Points
• Crash occurred around 5:47 a.m. on April 12, 2026, west of Exit 14
• Jeep Wrangler struck a marked State Police vehicle during traffic control
• Trooper and driver hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries
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Authorities Highlight Risks to First Responders
New York State Police emphasized that the patrol vehicle was clearly marked and positioned to assist with traffic management at the scene of a prior crash.
The agency reiterated that distracted driving remains a leading cause of roadway incidents, particularly in situations involving emergency response vehicles.
“Drivers must remain alert, avoid distractions, and stay focused on the roadway at all times,” the agency stated in its release.
Recap of Initial Incident and Sequence of Events
Troopers were first dispatched to the eastbound Southern State Parkway just west of Exit 14 shortly before 5:45 a.m. in response to a motor vehicle collision.
Due to the positioning and roadway conditions, officers used marked patrol vehicles to establish traffic control and protect the scene.
Within minutes of setting up, the secondary collision occurred when the Jeep Wrangler struck the rear of the patrol car.
Ongoing Safety Concerns on High-Speed Parkways
Incidents involving emergency vehicles on major parkways continue to present significant safety risks, particularly during early morning hours when visibility and driver attentiveness can vary.
New York State Police have consistently urged motorists to slow down and exercise caution when approaching emergency scenes, especially on high-speed roadways like the Southern State Parkway.
Readers can find more coverage on roadway safety enforcement and prior parkway incidents as authorities continue to stress compliance with traffic laws in active emergency zones.
Investigation Status
The crash remains under investigation by the New York State Police, and no additional details regarding contributing factors or potential charges have been released at this time.
