A tractor-trailer struck the South Broadway overpass on the southbound New York State Thruway in South Nyack on August 10, 2026, according to New York State Police. The commercial vehicle exceeded the 13-foot-6-inch height limit, hit the bridge structure, flipped onto its side, and subsequently struck a parked Toyota on the highway shoulder, injuring one person.
Overpass Collision Captured on Dashcam in South Nyack
According to dashcam footage released by CBS New York and the New York Post, the 2020 Mack truck operated by Eastern Express was traveling south on the New York State Thruway near South Nyack just after 12:20 p.m. local time. The driver, identified by police as 50-year-old Pernell Harris of York, South Carolina, appeared to brake heavily immediately before the impact.
The upper portion of the trailer struck the lower framework of the South Broadway bridge. The collision tore open the top of the trailer, scattered a large volume of debris across the lanes, and caused the vehicle to veer onto its right side before sliding along the asphalt.
Injuries and Vehicle Damage Detailed by Police
Following the initial bridge strike and rollover, the truck collided with a 2025 Toyota parked on the right shoulder of the highway, according to New York State Police records. Emergency responders transported the driver of the Toyota to Nyack Hospital with injuries that authorities confirmed were not life-threatening.
Despite the severity of the crash and the widespread debris, truck driver Pernell Harris emerged from the vehicle without any injuries. The hauler, registered to Eastern Express out of Indiana, was determined by investigators to have exceeded the 13-foot-6-inch clearance limit enforced on that stretch of the New York State Thruway.
Did you know?
The South Broadway bridge previously suffered severe structural damage in August 2023 when a truck carrying steel beams struck the span, requiring the replacement of two 31-meter, 23-ton steel support beams.
Bridge Inspection and Traffic Disruptions
Following the August 2026 incident, the New York State Thruway Authority inspected the South Broadway overpass. According to CBS New York reporting, engineers confirmed that the bridge sustained only minor damage and its structural integrity remained intact.
Local resident Patrick Kelly expressed surprise at the repeat collisions, telling reporters, “It’s incredible. I can’t believe that it happened the second time.” While transportation officials plan to eventually replace the overpass with a new structure, current schedules do not project completion until after 2029.
The accident forced the temporary closure of two southbound lanes while cleanup crews removed the overturned truck and scattered cargo. State police reported that all lanes reopened to traffic shortly before 4:00 p.m. local time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the South Nyack overpass accident?
According to New York State Police, the crash occurred because the tractor-trailer exceeded the 13-foot-6-inch height restriction on the southbound New York State Thruway, causing the top of the trailer to strike the South Broadway bridge.
Were there any serious injuries reported?
No life-threatening injuries resulted from the crash. The driver of the truck escaped without injury, while the driver of a parked Toyota struck during the incident was treated at Nyack Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Has this bridge been hit by trucks before?
Yes. The South Broadway overpass sustained heavy structural damage in August 2023 from an oversized truck carrying steel cargo, which required extensive repairs and the replacement of two major steel support beams.
How long was traffic disrupted on the Thruway?
Two southbound lanes remained closed for several hours while emergency responders cleared debris and the overturned Mack truck, with full highway access restored before 4:00 p.m. on the day of the crash.
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