Fatal crash on State Route 17 in Sullivan County leaves one man dead and another critically injured as investigators seek answers in head-on collision near Exit 113

Sullivan County, New York – In a tragic turn of events, a fatal car accident occurred on the afternoon of March 22, 2025, claiming the life of a man and leaving another person seriously injured. The collision took place near Exit 113 on State Route 17 Eastbound in the town of Mamakating, drawing immediate response from State Police and investigators from the Wurtsboro barracks.

The incident involved a head-on collision between a 2019 Mercedes Sprinter Van and a 2021 Hyundai. According to the initial findings of the State Police, at around 5:19 p.m., the Mercedes, driven by Robert Cromer, 62, of Liberty, NY, veered off the roadway from the westbound lane. The van crossed the south shoulder, hurtled over the center median, and entered the eastbound lane against the flow of traffic, striking the Hyundai head-on.

Both vehicles suffered severe damage and ended up colliding with the southern guiderail before coming to a complete stop. The collision’s impact was devastating. Jose A. Santiago Jr., 65, from Washingtonville, NY, who was driving the Hyundai, was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, Blanca I. Santiago, 64, also of Washingtonville, was critically injured in the crash and was quickly transported to Garnet Medical Center Middletown, where she was reported to be in stable condition following the incident.

Robert Cromer sustained minor injuries in the accident. After being evaluated on site by medical personnel, he was released. The reasons behind Cromer’s sudden departure from his lane and subsequent crossing into oncoming traffic remain unclear, and the State Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this fatal mishap.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has any information related to this case to come forward and contact SP Wurtsboro BCI at 845-888-2681. The community has been shocked by the severity of the crash, and local officials are discussing measures to increase road safety on this stretch of the highway to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The investigation continues as police piece together the events that led to this fatal encounter, hoping to provide some closure for the families affected by this heartbreaking event.