State Police continue investigation into deadly three-car crash that claimed one life on the Thruway near Exit 23 in Bethlehem

New York – A tragic crash on the New York State Thruway claimed one life and left several others injured Friday afternoon, as investigators continue to piece together the events that unfolded near Exit 23 in the town of Bethlehem.

According to State Police Troop T, troopers were dispatched at approximately 4:44 p.m. on November 1, 2025, after receiving reports of a multi-vehicle collision on I-87 northbound. The incident involved three vehicles and temporarily shut down lanes as emergency crews worked to assist victims and clear the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate that a 2011 Chevrolet sedan, driven by William F. McAllister, 37, of Ringgold, Virginia, was traveling north in the left lane at what investigators described as a high rate of speed. As McAllister attempted to change lanes, his vehicle sideswiped a 2009 Ram pickup truck on the driver’s side. The force of the impact caused the Chevrolet to veer sharply back into the left lane, where it then rear-ended a 2025 Chevrolet sedan traveling ahead.

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After the collisions, McAllister’s vehicle came to rest on the right shoulder of the highway, while the newer Chevrolet sedan, now heavily damaged, slammed into the guardrail on the opposite side before coming to a stop on the left shoulder.

Tragically, the female driver of the 2025 Chevrolet was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. A passenger traveling with her was rushed to Albany Medical Center with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The occupants of the pickup truck — the driver and one passenger — were both transported to Albany Memorial Hospital for treatment of similar non-critical injuries.

Authorities confirmed that McAllister underwent a series of field sobriety tests, all of which showed no signs of impairment. A preliminary breath test administered at the scene was negative for alcohol, State Police said. McAllister was then taken to Albany Medical Center for a precautionary medical evaluation.

Though impairment has been ruled out at this stage, McAllister faces multiple vehicle and traffic law violations connected to the crash. State Police have not yet released specific charges, noting that the case remains under active investigation.

The SP Latham Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is leading the ongoing probe, reconstructing the chain of events and analyzing physical evidence gathered from the crash site. Investigators are also expected to review surveillance footage from nearby Thruway cameras and examine vehicle data recorders to better understand what led to the fatal sequence of impacts.

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Traffic on I-87 northbound was backed up for several miles following the collision, as troopers redirected motorists around the crash zone. Crews remained on scene for several hours, clearing debris and documenting the extensive damage to the vehicles involved.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased driver, pending notification of next of kin.

As the investigation continues, State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or captured it on dashcam footage to come forward and assist with the case.

The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed on high-speed roadways — even when alcohol or drugs are not a factor.