Two troopers, two others injured in Columbia County crash

Two New York State Troopers were hurt in a two-vehicle crash Friday evening in Columbia County, along with two of the occupants of the other vehicle. On June 12, 2026, at approximately 6:27 p.m., members of the New York State Police assigned to SP Livingston were involved in a personal injury automobile accident on County Route 31 near Hill Road in the Town of Livingston. Preliminary investigation determined that a marked State Police patrol vehicle was traveling southbound on County Route 31 when an oncoming vehicle crossed into its lane of travel. The Trooper operating the patrol vehicle attempted evasive action by leaving the roadway onto the west shoulder, but was unable to avoid a collision. MORE: Driver charged in deadly wrong-way I-90 crash The patrol vehicle was occupied by a Field Training Officer and a Probationary Trooper. Both were able to exit the vehicle, and sustained minor injuries. They were transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital for evaluation and were later treated and released. The second vehicle, a Lexus SUV operated by a 72-year-old New Jersey resident, contained three additional occupants. The operator and one passenger were transported for evaluation. Two passengers were evaluated at the scene and declined further medical treatment. MORE: 18-year-old attempts to flee police after crashing car, jumping from bridge into river A drug recognition expert responded to the crash and evaluated the operator. There were no indications of impairment. At this time, the investigation has determined there is no evidence of criminality. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.