Dramatic Video Shows Tractor Trailer Hitting Overpass on New York Thruway
A tractor-trailer slammed into an overpass on the New York State Thruway in Rockland County Monday afternoon, sending debris flying across the highway before the massive truck tipped over and skidded down the roadway.
The terrifying moment was caught on dashcam video from a AAA Carting truck traveling nearby.
Tractor-Trailer Slams Into Overpass on I-87 in New York
According to the New York State Police, the crash happened around 12:20 p.m. Monday, August 10, in the southbound lanes of I-87 in South Nyack, NY. The video shows the tractor-trailer traveling toward the South Broadway bridge before suddenly striking the overpass.
The impact sends a massive spray of debris flying as the truck tips onto its side and continues sliding down the highway. The tractor-trailer eventually came to a stop after sliding across the pavement and struck a Toyota that was parked on the right shoulder.
The driver of the Toyota was rushed to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The driver of the tractor-trailer, identified as 50-year-old Pernell Harris of York, South Carolina, was not injured. Police say Harris was ticketed for operating a vehicle that exceeded the maximum allowable height of 13 feet, 6 inches.
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The crash caused major traffic issues on I-87 as crews worked to remove the wreckage. Two southbound lanes were closed while the cleanup was underway, but all lanes were reopened by approximately 4 p.m.
Bridge Has Been Hit Before
Unfortunately, this isn't the first time a truck has slammed into the South Broadway overpass.
According to CBS, the same bridge was struck by an over-height tractor-trailer in August 2023, causing significant damage and lengthy traffic delays. That crash resulted in emergency repairs to the bridge.
The good news this time is that the damage to the bridge appears to be much less severe. According to the New York State Thruway Authority, the South Broadway bridge suffered only minor damage in Monday's crash and was not compromised.
The bridge is currently scheduled to be replaced sometime after 2029.
The New York State Thruway Authority says bridge strikes remain a major problem across the Thruway system. In 2024 alone, there were 56 reported bridge strikes statewide.
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