Preliminary investigation reveals that the driver and sole occupant of a 2010 black Hyundai sedan, a 35-year-old male from Ohio, turned onto Route 304, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes. The Hyundai struck a 2013 silver BMW head-on which was traveling southbound. The BMW was occupied by an 18-year-old male driver and his 16-year-old female front seat passenger.

The collision occurred with such force that it sent the Hyundai into the center median, while the BMW was forced onto the shoulder of the southbound lanes. The New City Fire Department worked rigorously to extricate all three individuals from their vehicles. The Clarkstown Police, New City Ambulance, Nanuet Community Ambulance Corps, and Rockland Paramedics were on the scene to provide immediate medical care.

The occupants of the BMW were successfully extricated and transported by ambulance to Westchester Medical Center with serious physical injuries. The driver of the Hyundai, whose identity is being withheld at this time pending family notification, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Clarkstown Police Department’s Accident Investigation Unit is actively investigating the cause of this incident. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has other information with regards to this accident is asked to contact the Clarkstown Police Detective Bureau at (845) 639-5800.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families involved during this incredibly difficult time, especially as they face this tragic event during the holiday season.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of a 1994 Grumman Food Truck, a 44-year-old male, was traveling westbound on Prospect Street when the truck experienced a mechanical issue and stalled. The driver then placed the vehicle in park and exited the truck. At this point, the driver asked a friend, a 39-year-old male, who had been following him in another vehicle, to assist him with backing the truck onto a side street.

The friend entered the food truck, placed the vehicle into neutral, and the truck began rolling back. The original driver of the truck, who has been identified as Mr. Khurram Shahzad, a 44-year-old male from Albany, positioned himself behind the vehicle to help direct the operator. During the process, the truck’s brakes reportedly failed to engage, and the vehicle unexpectedly struck Mr. Shahzad, causing severe injuries. The operator of the truck remained on scene.

The Clarkstown Police, along with the Nanuet Community Ambulance Corps and Rockland Paramedics, arrived on the scene promptly to administer medical aid. Mr. Shahzad was transported from the scene to Montefiore Nyack Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Clarkstown Police Department’s Accident Investigation Unit is continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Clarkstown Police Accident Investigation Unit at (845) 639-5800.