Joseph Mensah-Otoo killed in I-87 Saugerties wrong-way collision

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 28, 2026
Joseph Mensah-Otoo killed in I-87 Saugerties wrong-way collision

SAUGERTIES, NY, (April 26, 2026) — A 42-year-old Massachusetts man, identified as Joseph Mensah-Otoo, was killed Sunday night in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 87 in Saugerties, according to New York State Police.

Authorities said a 2025 Toyota was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes between Exits 19 and 20 shortly after 9 p.m. when it collided with three northbound vehicles, including a 2022 Honda, a 2020 BMW, and a 2017 Ford F-150.

Troopers reported that Mensah-Otoo, who was driving the Toyota and a resident of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Six occupants from the other vehicles sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston. The injured include a 37-year-old man from New City, a 59-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman from Cohoes, two 19-year-old men from Dalton, Massachusetts, and a 19-year-old man from Hinsdale, Massachusetts.

New York State Police continue to investigate the crash and have not released further details.


CRASH INVESTIGATION

Wrong-way crashes can result from multiple contributing factors, including distracted driving, driver confusion, and roadway design issues. However, the National Transportation Safety Board notes that impairment due to alcohol or drugs is the leading cause of wrong-way collisions. Studies suggest that impaired driving is responsible for up to 75% of such crashes.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all potential contributing factors that must be carefully evaluated,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner with Bond Legal.

“In many cases, an accident reconstruction team is required to determine exactly how the crash occurred. These steps are essential in helping victims and families pursue compensation for damages or losses after a collision,” Bond added.


PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

Injured individuals involved in such collisions may have the right to pursue personal injury claims depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, stated, “Injured victims of motor vehicle crashes may pursue claims to recover medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.”

“Insurance companies are often not responsive to the financial burden placed on injured parties. Legal representation can make a significant difference, ensuring victims are not pressured into unfair settlements and receive compensation for their losses,” he added.


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in serious injury auto accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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