New York State Police have identified the names of those involved in the wrong-way crash that shut down the eastbound lanes of the New York State Thruway for hours on Tuesday.
Three people were killed, and two others were seriously injured.
Charles Bargerstock, 81, of Ohio, who was reported missing was the driver that was traveling the wrong-way on the Thruway and caused the crash.
Himel Joy, 24, of Astoria, and Mojammal Rasel, 30, also of Astoria, were killed in the crash.
Meanwhile, Moshin Ahmed, 23, and Kenedy Ape, 18, both of Astoria were hospitalized.
Troopers say that around 1:30 a.m. Bargerstock – who had been reported missing in Ohio – left the Clifton Springs service area and drove the wrong way on the Thruway – traveling west in the eastbound lanes.
One tractor-trailer saw him coming and pulled over. Rasel, who was operating the second vehicle, did not and collided with Bargerstock’s vehicle head-on.
Ahmed was transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious injuries and is currently listed in guarded condition. Apel was transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital with a head injury and is listed in satisfactory condition.
“Further investigation revealed that Bargerstock, who was traveling alone, was a missing endangered person from Stow Police Department in Ohio. It was reported that he left his residence in Ohio for an appointment at 9:30 a.m. A BOLO (be on the lookout) was entered at approximately 1:30 p.m. to attempt to locate him after it was discovered he never showed up for the appointment,” a statement from the state police said.
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