State police investigate fatal motor vehicle collision in the City of Newburgh involving multiple vehicles and serious injuries

Newburgh, New York – A fatal motor vehicle collision in the City of Newburgh on New Year’s Day has left the community shaken and prompted an ongoing investigation by the New York State Police. The incident occurred around 10:32 p.m. on January 1, 2026, when a 2012 Volkswagen traveling eastbound on State Route 17K in the Town of Newburgh was observed violating the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, according to authorities.

A New York State Trooper assigned to the Montgomery Barracks attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as 39-year-old Marcus A. Burks of Newburgh, failed to comply. A brief pursuit lasting approximately two minutes ensued before the trooper terminated the chase to avoid entering the City of Newburgh. Despite the pursuit ending, the Volkswagen continued traveling eastbound on Broadway at an unsafe speed.

Authorities said the Volkswagen ultimately struck a 2002 Toyota that was making a left-hand turn from a business driveway onto Broadway. The impact caused severe damage, and emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene. Burks, the operator of the Volkswagen, was taken into custody but became unresponsive shortly afterward. Life-saving measures were administered at the scene, and he was transported to Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. Unfortunately, Burks was later pronounced deceased.

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The operator of the Toyota, a 19-year-old Newburgh resident, along with a 20-year-old passenger, were both transported to Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Police indicated that both individuals are expected to recover.

The New York State Police were assisted at the scene by the City of Newburgh Police Department, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office was notified and responded to the incident. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that they are gathering evidence, reviewing traffic camera footage, and speaking with witnesses to determine the full circumstances leading to the collision.

State Police officials are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to come forward. “Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the New York State Police, State Police Montgomery Bureau of Criminal Investigation at (845) 344-5300,” authorities said.

The fatal crash highlights the dangers of high-speed driving and fleeing law enforcement, and authorities have stressed the importance of public safety and cooperation during investigations. Residents in Newburgh expressed concern over the violent nature of the collision, particularly given the timing on a holiday evening when many people were out celebrating.

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As investigators continue to examine the scene and collect evidence, officials have not released further details about the cause of the initial traffic violation or whether any charges related to the collision will be pursued. Police say they are working to provide answers to the families involved and to ensure that such incidents are fully understood.

The community is reminded to remain cautious on local roadways, and authorities continue to monitor traffic safety and compliance to prevent similar tragedies in the future.