August 6, 2025

Vehicle Crash Near Angola Service Area Injures Seven

News Summary

A vehicle crash on the New York State Thruway resulted in injuries to seven individuals, including three children. The driver lost control, causing the SUV to fall down an embankment into a creek. Emergency responders from various agencies were deployed to assist in the rescue. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, although one child was airlifted to the hospital. The accident underscores the dangers of busy highways and the need for heightened driver awareness.

New York – A vehicle crash on Sunday morning resulted in injuries to seven people near the Angola Service Area on the New York State Thruway. The incident, which took place around 11 a.m., involved a SUV that went off the Thruway and down an embankment, ultimately coming to rest in a creek.

The driver, 39-year-old Gyanendra Timalsina from Pickerington, Ohio, was driving a 2025 Honda SUV eastbound when he mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. Consequently, the SUV struck a traffic sign, broke through a chain-link fence, and fell approximately 150 feet down the embankment.

Among the injured was a 10-year-old child who was airlifted to Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo with non-life-threatening injuries to the head, arm, and leg. Two other children, aged six and 13, also received medical attention for minor injuries at the same hospital. Timalsina and three adult passengers aged 66, 65, and 44 were taken to Erie County Medical Center, all reporting minor injuries. All occupants of the vehicle were from Ohio, with the exception of the 44-year-old passenger from Lexington, Kentucky.

Emergency response efforts were extensive and involved multiple agencies, including the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Evans Center Volunteer Fire Company, New York State Police, Evans Police, and several fire and EMS agencies such as Eden Fire Department, Gowanda Fire Department, Eden EMS, and Erie County EMS. The sheriff’s SWAT/Quick Reaction Force Team was also deployed to assist in the rescue operation.

Despite the severity of the crash, no tickets were issued in relation to the incident. Sheriff John Garcia emphasized the successful coordination of trained special operations units and the importance of ongoing training and experience in emergency responses.

The Angola Service Area sits between Exit 57A (Eden – Angola) and Exit 58 (Silver Creek – Irving – NY Routes 5, 20 & 438) on the Thruway. This location has previously experienced various incidents due to its proximity to heavy traffic areas.

This accident highlights the potential dangers associated with traveling on busy highways, prompting discussions about the need for driver awareness and caution, especially in high-traffic scenarios. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities continue to stress the importance of safe driving practices to prevent future incidents.

The response from local emergency teams was quick and organized, showcasing their preparedness for handling complex rescue operations effectively. As the community absorbs the impact of the crash, ongoing support and resources will be necessary for the injured and their families as they recuperate.