Update August 4, 2026, 11:15 a.m.:
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2022 Toyota Sienna, operated by Aryeh Spitzer, age 26, of Monsey, NY, was traveling southbound on the Palisades Interstate Parkway near Exit 11 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway, entered the center median, and struck a tree head-on.
There were nine occupants in the vehicle, including Spitzer, a 23-year-old male passenger from Spring Valley, NY, and seven children ranging in age from 5 to 10 years old. The group was traveling from the Legadel School in Chestnut Ridge, NY.
At this time, one child remains in critical but stable condition. The remaining six children and two adults sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Haverstraw at (845) 344-5300.
Original Press Release August 3, 2026, 3:08 p.m.:
On August 3, 2026, at approximately 1:10 p.m., troopers from the Haverstraw barracks responded to a report of a one-vehicle motor vehicle collision on the southbound Palisades Interstate Parkway near Exit 11 in the Town of Ramapo, Rockland County.
The preliminary investigation determined that the vehicle involved, a Toyota Sienna, was occupied by nine individuals at the time of the crash. Eight occupants were transported to Westchester Medical Center, while one occupant was transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital. All nine occupants sustained injuries of varying severity.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area near the southbound Exit 11 on the Palisades Interstate Parkway due to the ongoing investigation, lane closures, and resulting traffic delays. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Contact Troop F Public Information Officer: Trooper Jennifer Alvarez
Troop F Commander:
Major Christopher M. Kyle