Toyota traveled in wrong direction and struck three vehicles between exits 19 and 20
April 26, 2026 | Saugerties, NY
New York State Police responded to a fatal wrong-way crash in Saugerties that claimed the life of one driver and injured six others along Interstate 87.
Joseph Mensah-Otoo, 42, died after a wrong-way crash involving multiple vehicles on Interstate 87 between Exits 19 and 20 in Saugerties.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred when a 2025 Toyota traveled southbound in the northbound lanes between Exits 19 and 20 shortly after 9 p.m. on April 26. The vehicle collided head-on with three northbound cars: a 2022 Honda, a 2020 BMW, and a 2017 Ford F-150.
- Location: Interstate 87, Saugerties, NY, between Exits 19 and 20
- Time: Shortly after 9 p.m., April 26
- Vehicles Involved: 2025 Toyota, wrong-way, 2022 Honda, 2020 BMW, 2017 Ford F-150
- Fatal Outcome: Driver of the Toyota was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene
- Injuries: Six people were transported to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston with non-life-threatening injuries
Who Was Involved?
The driver of the Toyota, Joseph Mensah-Otoo, 42, from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was killed in the collision. The injured individuals from the other vehicles were:
- A 37-year-old man from New City, NY
- A 59-year-old man from Cohoes, NY
- A 44-year-old woman from Cohoes, NY
- Two 19-year-old men from Dalton, Massachusetts
- A 19-year-old man from Hinsdale, Massachusetts
New York State Police are continuing their investigation into the causes of the crash.
Injured Party |
Age |
Location |
|---|
Man |
37 |
New City, NY |
Man |
59 |
Cohoes, NY |
Woman |
44 |
Cohoes, NY |
Man |
19 |
Dalton, MA |
Man |
19 |
Dalton, MA |
Man |
19 |
Hinsdale, MA |
Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Happen?
Wrong-way accidents on highways like Interstate 87 often result from a combination of factors, including driver error, impaired driving, and environmental conditions. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), driving under the influence accounts for up to 75% of such incidents.
Other contributing elements may include:
- Distracted driving
- Poor signage or road design
- Low visibility due to lighting or weather
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and require thorough examination,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that wrong-way driving accidents have increased in recent years, emphasizing the need for advanced signage and technology to prevent them.
Cause of Wrong-Way Crashes |
Percentage (NTSB/FHWA Data) |
Source |
|---|
DUI/Impaired Driving |
Up to 75% |
NTSB |
Driver Error/Distraction |
15-20% |
FHWA |
Road Design Issues |
5-10% |
FHWA |
Other (Visibility, etc.) |
Remaining |
CDC |
Legal Insights on Wrong-Way Crashes
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle collisions, thorough investigations can help determine liability and support claims for those affected.
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond.
Injured parties may pursue personal injury claims to address medical expenses, lost wages, and other impacts.
- Medical Costs: Coverage for bills and future care
- Income Loss: Compensation for time away from work
- Emotional Trauma: Support for pain and suffering
- Insurance Advocacy: Attorneys can negotiate with insurers to ensure fair settlements
“Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help.”
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).