Details released in Tuesday's trooper-involved accident on Rt. 374

PLATTSBURGH | Two troopers are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries following a three-car accident on Route 374 Tuesday morning. New York State Police said the accident happened just after 7 a.m. An investigation determined that patrol vehicle 1B24, operated by Trooper Jacob R. Casey of SP Plattsburgh, and patrol vehicle 3B23, operated by Trooper Jakai E. Townsend of SP Lewis, were traveling westbound on State Route 374. As they approached the intersection with Rand Hill Road, an uninvolved vehicle ahead of them slowed to make a turn. Both patrol vehicles also slowed. A 2018 orange Jeep Cherokee, operated by Michelle L. Donah, 41, of Saranac, failed to observe the slowing traffic and struck patrol vehicle 3B23 from behind. The impact pushed 3B23 into the rear of patrol vehicle 1B24. Following the collision, patrol vehicle 3B23 caught fire. Local fire departments and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. Both troopers were transported to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for evaluation and treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Donah was evaluated at the scene by emergency medical personnel and declined further medical treatment after signing a refusal. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.