A fiery scene erupted on a rural New York highway when a State Police cruiser was engulfed by towering flames and dense black smoke following a chain-reaction crash. The incident, which occurred on a Tuesday morning, left two state troopers injured as dramatic photographs captured the harrowing aftermath.
The accident took place shortly after 7 a.m. along State Route 374 in Plattsburgh. According to the New York State Police, two marked Dodge Charger patrol cars were traveling westbound when traffic began to slow down near an intersection due to a vehicle preparing to make a turn.
Authorities revealed that a 2018 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 41-year-old Michelle L. Donah from Saranac, failed to reduce speed in time, crashing into the back of one patrol car. The impact forced it into the second police vehicle, escalating the situation.
The crash took place just after 7 a.m. on State Route 374 in the town of Plattsburgh, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, officials confirmed. (New York State Police)
The collision ignited a fierce fire that consumed one of the patrol cars. Dramatic images from the scene reveal flames soaring high above the vehicle as thick, black smoke billowed into the atmosphere. Fortunately, local fire departments responded promptly and extinguished the blaze.
Authorities said both troopers were rushed to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a three-car crash on State Route 374 in the town of Plattsburgh on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The civilian motorist refused treatment. (New York State Police)
Troopers Jacob R. Casey, of the Plattsburgh barracks, and Jakai E. Townsend, of the Lewis barracks, were taken to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Donah was evaluated at the scene but declined additional medical treatment after signing a refusal, according to police.
A view of State Route 374 near the town of Plattsburgh. (Google Maps, File)
The crash remains under investigation.