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Towering flames and thick black smoke swallowed a New York State Police cruiser after a chain-reaction crash on a rural highway Tuesday morning, leaving two troopers injured, according to authorities, as dramatic photos captured the fiery aftermath.
The crash happened just after 7 a.m. on State Route 374 in the town of Plattsburgh. New York State Police said two marked Dodge Charger patrol cars were heading west when traffic slowed near an intersection for a vehicle preparing to turn.
Investigators said a 2018 Jeep Cherokee driven by 41-year-old Michelle L. Donah, of Saranac, didn’t slow down in time and slammed into the rear of one patrol car, pushing it into the second cruiser.
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The crash happened just after 7 a.m. on State Route 374 in the town of Plattsburgh, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, authorities said. (New York State Police)
The impact sparked a fire that engulfed one of the patrol vehicles. Dramatic photos from the scene show flames shooting high above the cruiser as thick black smoke poured into the sky. Local fire departments quickly put out 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)
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The crash remains under investigation.