On Wednesday night, a tragic car crash on Interstate 90 (I-90) in Amsterdam, New York, left one person dead and another in critical condition. The accident occurred around 8:45 p.m. when a wrong-way driver collided head-on with another vehicle.
Investigation Closes I-90 Westbound Lanes for Six Hours
State Police responded to the crash scene and immediately shut down all westbound lanes between exits 27 and 28. The road remained closed for approximately six hours as investigators conducted collision reconstruction and gathered evidence.
Driver Identified as 59-Year-Old Veronica Armbruster
Authorities identified the wrong-way driver as Veronica Armbruster, 59, of Selkirk, New York. Armbruster was driving against traffic on the New York State Thruway when she crashed into a car traveling in the correct direction.
Both drivers were the only occupants in their vehicles, and both suffered severe injuries. Emergency responders rushed them to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Victim Identified: 26-Year-Old Cole M. Sevigny
The driver of the car that was hit was identified as Cole M. Sevigny, 26, of Hudson, New Hampshire. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Saint Mary’s Hospital.
A Tragic Loss Before His Wedding and Birthday
According to his obituary, Sevigny was preparing for a significant milestone in his life—his upcoming wedding and 27th birthday. His sudden and tragic passing has devastated his family, friends, and fiancée, leaving a community mourning his loss.
Armbruster in Critical Condition
Meanwhile, Armbruster remains at Albany Medical Center, where she is listed in critical but stable condition. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether charges will be filed against her.
Dangerous Roads in New York: Is I-90 One of the Most Feared?
This devastating accident has reignited discussions about road safety in New York. I-90 is known for being one of the most dangerous highways in the state, particularly in Western New York, where lake-effect snow and sudden weather changes create treacherous driving conditions.
Here are some of the most hazardous roads in the state based on accident data:
- Interstate 90 (I-90): Frequent road closures and accidents due to sudden heavy snowfall.
- Taconic State Parkway: Over 2,000 accidents were recorded in a three-year period.
- State Route 17: A major state highway spanning 397 miles with frequent fatal crashes.
- New York State Thruway: In 2022 alone, 11 fatal accidents led to 14 deaths.
Which Regions in New York Have the Highest Fatality Rates?
According to data from the New York State Comptroller’s Office, different regions in the state have varying fatality rates based on the number of accidents per 100,000 people.
- New York City: 2.9 fatalities per 100,000 people
- Mid-Hudson Valley: 6.8 fatalities per 100,000 people
- Central New York: 7 fatalities per 100,000 people
- Finger Lakes: 7.5 fatalities per 100,000 people
The Investigation Continues
State Police have confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing. It is unclear whether alcohol, drugs, or distracted driving played a role in the crash. More details are expected as authorities complete their findings.
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, especially on highways with high traffic volumes. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant, follow road signs, and report any suspicious or reckless driving behaviors to prevent further tragedies.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
