Cayuga County, NY (May 5, 2026) – A 41-year-old North Carolina man died early Monday after a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 eastbound in the town of Mentz. The collision happened around 4:17 a.m. when a westbound passenger vehicle crossed the median and entered oncoming traffic.
The vehicle struck a guide rail after crossing into the eastbound lanes and came to rest partially blocking the road on a curve. One eastbound tractor-trailer managed to avoid the car, but a second truck struck the disabled vehicle and its driver.
The driver of the passenger vehicle, identified as Robert McFall, 41, of North Carolina, was pronounced dead at the scene. The tractor-trailer operator, a 59-year-old man from Florida, was not hurt.
The crash remains under investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to Robert McFall’s family and loved ones.
What Makes Wrong-Way Crashes on New York Highways So Dangerous?
Wrong-way crashes on divided highways like the New York State Thruway are among the most severe types of collisions on record. When a vehicle enters a high-speed roadway traveling against traffic, drivers in oncoming lanes have very little time to react, especially in low-visibility conditions like those common in the early morning hours. The combination of speed, darkness, and limited reaction time makes these events particularly deadly.
Median crossings add another layer of risk because the vehicle often arrives in the opposing lanes at high speed and in an unexpected location. Curves and limited sight lines, like those present in the town of Mentz, can make it even harder for other drivers to spot a stopped or disabled vehicle in time to avoid a collision.
