An accident in which a sedan got lodged underneath a tractor-trailer on I-87/New York State Thruway in Yonkers, hurting two adults and a child inside, caused major delays Friday evening.
The Thruway was closed near Cross County Parkway in both directions for some time as emergency responders attended to the scene. It has since reopened, though delays remain on the heavy side.
Two adults and a child were inside the car pinned under the trailer, and multiple emergency units responded to extricate the victims, according to Yonkers Assistant Fire Chief John Flynn.
The victims appeared to be in pain as they were removed from the car but were conscious, Flynn said.
"This is a very unusual situation. Cars under tractor trailers in and of itself is unusual, but to have a car actually be upside down and pinned under the tractor trailer is extra unusual," he said.
"These people were very fortunate. They were wearing seatbelts, which is a big factor, and the excellent work from police, fire and EMS really made the difference in getting them out safely," Flynn added.
A witness said he was driving behind the truck on the Thruway when he saw the car enter the highway and try to pass in front of the truck. It got caught on the back wheel of the truck and flipped at least twice before it got pinned undertneath, said Pablos San Lucas.
