On Friday, May 11th at 07:30 the Esopus Fire Department and Esopus Ambulance were dispatched to a reported Head-on MVA in the area of 1097 Route 9W. The first arriving unit was on the scene prior to the dispatch and found what appeared to be several accidents involving seven vehicles. Two of the vehicles involved struck head-on, trapping one of the drivers. The Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Plan was initiated bringing additional ambulances to the scene to assist. Firefighters also deployed extrication tools often referred to as the “Jaws of Life” and had the driver freed within twelve minutes. Seven patients were transported by ambulance to four local hospitals. Route 9W remained closed for almost two hours.
Esopus Firefighters were assisted by the Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Mobile Life Support, Highland Fire Department, Port Ewen Fire Department, Marbletown First Aid, Hurley Fire/Rescue, Ulster County Fire / Emergency Management, the Ulster County Sheriffs Office and the New York State Police.