One woman was killed and four others were injured in a multi-vehicle accident in the northbound lanes of the Tappan Zee Bridge, in Rockland County, New York on the night of July 23rd.

The New York State Police got a call of a vehicle going the wrong way on I-87. Seconds later, police received a report of a multiple vehicle rollover accident with serious injuries.

Police say that Michael Schechel, 69, from Thiells, N.Y. was driving a white SUV southbound in the northbound lane on the Rockland County side of the bridge. His vehicle slammed head-on into a Nissan driven by Newman Ayeh-Brachie, 57, from Hillcrest N.Y. Ayeh-Brachie’s car rolled several times before coming to a stop on its roof in the middle lane. A third vehicle, driven by Juan Robles, 34, from the Bronx, was also traveling north. He was able to swerve and miss Schechel’s vehicle, but then hit Ayeh-Brachie’s vehicle. A fourth vehicle, driven by Nancy Gallo, 44, from Basking Ridge, N.J., was traveling north as well and as she approached the lane blockage, Gallo was able to avoid striking Schechel’s vehicle, but then rear ends Robles’ car. A fifth vehicle, driven by Thomas Gibson, 40, from Poughkeepsie, then sideswiped Schechel’s car.

A passenger of Ayeh-Brachie’s vehicle, Hannah Ayeh-Brachie, 56, died at the scene. The other drivers were transported to Nyack Hospital where they were reported to be in serious and critical conditions.

State police closed the northbound lanes to perform an accident reconstruction. Many drivers in the northbound lanes were stuck in the closure, but southbound traffic remained open. Police say there have been no arrests but the accident is still under investigation.

Car accidents occur due to negligence, speeding, drunken driving, driver inattentiveness, hit in the rears, and hit and runs. If you have been involved in a car accident in New York and sustained personal injuries, it is necessary to choose the right attorneys. The New York car accident attorneys at Goldblatt & Associates, P.C. are skilled, experienced and dedicated to fighting for your rights. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries from a New York car accident, contact the New York car accident attorneys at Goldblatt & Associates. Contact us at toll free at 1-800-567-9888 or locally at 914-788-5000.