Three children hospitalized after being struck by SUV in Town of Newburgh
Police say two of children remain in critical but stable condition after the Thursday evening crash on Starrow Drive. They say a third child involved suffered minor injuries.
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A close-knit neighborhood in the Town of Newburgh is still trying to come to terms with a crash that left three children hospitalized and neighbors shaken Thursday evening.
Police say a 52-year-old Newburgh man driving a 2024 Jeep Wrangler struck three children on Starrow Drive around 6:52 p.m.
All three children were taken to Westchester Medical Center. Police say two remain in critical but stable condition, while the third suffered minor injuries and is expected to be OK.
“It was devastating. I know he kept saying, ‘They are my friends, my friends,’” one neighbor told News 12, describing a young boy’s reaction after witnessing the crash.
Neighbors told News 12 the children involved were a teenage boy and two elementary school-aged girls, two of whom are siblings. Police have not publicly identified the children or their ages.
Neighbors who spoke with News 12 did not want to be identified but said the children and the driver all live in the neighborhood.
“This was just a tragic accident. One of those freak things,” another resident said.
Several neighbors said it is common to see children outside playing, riding bikes and visiting with friends.
“Everybody corrals at this one house because there’s a bunch of kids and they all play over here,” one neighbor said.
Residents told News 12 the children were near a house with a row of shrubs when the crash happened.
“All the shrubs and everything were covered. They weren’t visible. He didn’t see them and he just struck them,” one neighbor said.
Town of Newburgh Police and members of the New York State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit spent hours investigating the crash Thursday night and remained at the scene into Friday afternoon.
Some residents said they have long worried about speeding on the street, which connects with Route 300.
“The cars come by here so quickly. They just fly by,” one neighbor said.
Police have not said what caused the crash or whether speed was a factor.
For many in the neighborhood, the incident is a harsh reminder of how quickly life can change.
“It’s just one of those things. Accidents happen anywhere. That can happen in front of your house and in a second,” one neighbor said.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Town of Newburgh Police Department.
