A Tuesday morning ride on the New York State Thruway turned terrifying near Plattekill when a passenger bus rolled over, leaving travelers bruised and rattled but, according to state police, without life-threatening injuries. The crash was reported around 9:20 to 9:21 a.m. on southbound I-87 near mile marker 69.5, between Exit 18 (New Paltz) and Exit 17 (Newburgh). About 23 people were on board, and left lanes in both directions were shut down while first responders worked the scene.
What officials said
State Police spokeswoman Krista Montie told Times Union the rollover happened at about 9:21 a.m. and that roughly 23 passengers were on the bus. Montie said that as of late morning, no life-threatening injuries had been reported. Troopers from the Kingston barracks were among the agencies responding.
Scene and traffic
The bus came to rest near mile marker 69.5, blocking the left lanes in both directions, according to ABC7. State police and local EMS units closed those lanes to reach occupants, assess injuries and clear debris, which quickly turned the Thruway into a slow crawl between the New Paltz and Newburgh exits.
Conflicting early reports on injuries
Initial accounts were not exactly in sync. Some local outlets reported that as many as 23 people were injured and that six were taken to hospitals, citing police statements and bystander video; Daily Voice carried that version of events. However, Times Union relayed State Police saying the injuries were not considered life-threatening and that a formal investigation is underway.
Why this matters
The Thruway has seen more than its share of serious bus wrecks in recent years, including a tour bus crash that killed five near Pembroke in August 2025 and triggered an NTSB review. That history has kept pressure on inspection standards and safety practices for long-distance carriers that crisscross New York.
Investigation ongoing
State police said the Plattekill rollover remains under investigation and urged drivers to expect lingering delays in the area while crews finish cleaning up and documenting the scene. Officials have not yet released the name of the bus operator or the company. Troopers are asking anyone with video or other information about the crash to contact investigators, according to ABC7.
