A New York State Police cruiser was consumed by flames and heavy black smoke Tuesday morning after a chain-reaction crash on a rural highway in Plattsburgh left two troopers injured, authorities said. Photos released after the wreck showed the patrol vehicle burning intensely as emergency crews responded.
The collision occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on State Route 374 in the town of Plattsburgh. According to New York State Police, two marked Dodge Charger patrol cars were traveling west when traffic slowed near an intersection as another vehicle prepared to make a turn.
Investigators said 41-year-old Michelle L. Donah, of Saranac, was driving a 2018 Jeep Cherokee and failed to slow in time. Her vehicle struck the back of one patrol car, forcing it forward into the second cruiser, police said.
The crash took place just after 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, along State Route 374 in the town of Plattsburgh, officials said. (New York State Police)
The impact triggered a fire that quickly overtook one of the police vehicles. Images from the scene showed flames rising above the cruiser while a column of dark smoke drifted into the sky. Local fire departments arrived and extinguished the blaze.
Police said both troopers were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening following the three-vehicle crash on State Route 374 in Plattsburgh on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The civilian driver declined further medical treatment. (New York State Police)
The injured troopers were identified as Jacob R. Casey, assigned to the Plattsburgh barracks, and Jakai E. Townsend, assigned to the Lewis barracks. Both were transported to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Donah was checked by medical personnel at the scene but refused additional treatment after signing a refusal form, according to authorities.
A view of State Route 374 near the town of Plattsburgh. (Google Maps, File)
The crash remains under investigation.
