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NJ Wrong-Way Driver, 25, Caused Double Fatal Crash On Route 17 In NY: Cops (Update)

A wrong-way driver caused a devastating head-on collision on Route 17 in Orange County, leaving two people dead and another seriously injured, New York State Police confirmed.

Footage from the scene along Route 17 Wednesday, March 5.

Footage from the scene along Route 17 Wednesday, March 5.

Photo Credit: Mark Lieb/Rockland Video Productions
Footage from the scene along Route 17 Wednesday, March 5.

Footage from the scene along Route 17 Wednesday, March 5.

Photo Credit: Mark Lieb/Rockland Video Productions
Footage from the scene along Route 17 Wednesday, March 5.

Footage from the scene along Route 17 Wednesday, March 5.

Photo Credit: Mark Lieb/Rockland Video Productions

The crash occurred around 1:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, when a 2009 Nissan traveling in the eastbound direction on the westbound lanes of Route 17 near Exit 126 in Chester struck a 2014 Honda Odyssey head-on, according to State Police.

Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. They were identified as the driver of the Honda, 54-year-old Sullivan County resident Mordichy Zafir of Kiamesha Lake, and the driver of the Nissan, 25-year-old New Jersey resident Sydnie M. Haines of the Camden County community of Blackwood. 

A 17-year-old passenger of the Honda, also a Kiamesha Lake resident, was seriously injured and rushed to Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown. 

At the crash scene on Wednesday morning, a Nissan Altima, badly damaged and partially covered with a white sheet, was spotted in the center of the westbound lanes. A second vehicle was overturned on the shoulder, surrounded by firefighters and EMS personnel, incident reporter Mark Lieb of Rockland Video Productions said.

As of around 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday, the westbound lanes were reopened after being closed for the crash investigation. 

State Police Troop F BCI is investigating the crash, and authorities are asking any witnesses to call SP Monroe BCI at 845-344-5300. The investigation is still ongoing. 

This remains a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 

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