Two EMTs died in a crash involving a tractor-trailer on the New York Thruway early Monday, officials say.
State Police say it appears Moshe Herzog, 27, of Spring Valley, was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe southbound, near mile marker 29.1 in Rockland County's Suffern, when he tried to change lanes and possibly exit the Thruway at exit 14B around 1:45 a.m. He collided with a tractor-trailer in the right lane.
The crash sent both vehicles off the road and into a ditch along the wood line, where the Tahoe erupted in flames. Both Herzog and his passenger, 26-year-old David Schneebalg, of Monsey, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The tractor-trailer driver, 59-year-old Luis Velazquez of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated. He was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries, State Police said.
New York State Senator David Carlucci identified both men as EMTs working in Rockland County.
"[Herzog and Schneebalg] selflessly served Rockland, responding to dangerous situations to saves lives. This accident was a tragedy. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends and the entire EMS community," Carlucci said in a statement.
Parts of the highway remained closed through the start of the morning rush as authorities investigated.