Fatal Crash on Palisades in Early Hours of Thursday

By: Yitzy Fried 

Two Spring Valley residents were involved in a serious accident on the Palisades Parkway early Thursday. One lost his life, and the other sustained non-life-threatening injuries. 

The call came to the New York State Police, at approximately 4:47 a.m. with reports of a head-on collision on the Palisades Parkway near exit 18 in the town of Highlands.

Initial reports from the investigation reveal that the Hugo Vasquez of Spring Valley was driving the wrong way (southbound in the northbound lanes) when he hit the Toyota TC head-on. It was being driven by Franklin Yanza-Zuma, also of Spring Valley. 

Fortunately, Mr. Yanza-Zuma was not injured critically and was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. 

Witnesses who observed the accident in real-time, or otherwise observed the cars prior to the accident, are asked to contact Senior Investigator Carmen Goffredo or Investigator Eric Haydt to contact the New York State Police at 845-364-0200, as these accounts may aid them in their investigation.