Albany, NY — February 25, 2025, one person was injured in a two-truck accident at approximately 6:00 a.m. along the Berkshire Connector.

According to authorities, the accident took place on the Berkshire Connector (Interstate Highway 90) in the vicinity of the B1 exit.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between a tanker truck and an 18-wheeler. The crash apparently caused the tanker to leave the roadway, heading down an embankment where it eventually overturned. While it did overturn, reports say that there do not appear to be any leaks of the hazardous material it was hauling.

One person who had been involved in the wreck suffered injuries that were reported to have been non-life-threatening. They were transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a collision between two commercial trucks sends a tanker off the road and down an embankment, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

What caused the initial collision? Reports confirm that the crash involved a tanker truck and an 18-wheeler, but it’s unclear which vehicle initiated the wreck. Did one truck make an unsafe lane change? Was a sudden stop or loss of control involved? Investigators should review dashcam footage, vehicle positioning, and witness statements to determine how the wreck unfolded.

Was speed or following distance a factor? Large trucks require significantly more space to slow down or maneuver safely. If either driver was following too closely, traveling too fast for conditions, or reacting to unexpected traffic movements, that could have contributed to the collision. Investigators should analyze speed data, braking patterns, and road conditions to assess whether driver behavior played a role.

Did distraction or fatigue contribute? Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and inattention or drowsiness can slow reaction times. Investigators should review phone records, hours-of-service logs, and possible in-cab monitoring systems to determine whether distraction or fatigue was a factor.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and that their vehicles are in safe operating condition. If a company failed to enforce safe driving practices, neglected necessary maintenance, or pressured drivers to operate under unsafe conditions, those failures could be relevant in understanding why this crash happened. Investigators should review company policies, safety records, and past violations to determine whether broader issues played a role.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity they deserve.