Two-Vehicle Crash on Route 209 in Mamakating Leaves One Critically Injured

MAMAKATING, N.Y. — A two-vehicle head-on collision Monday evening on State Route 209 in the town of Mamakating left one person critically injured and two others in stable condition, according to New York State Police.

Troopers assigned to the Wurtsboro barracks responded to a 911 report of the crash at about 5:24 p.m. Aug. 24 near Summitville Road.

A preliminary investigation found that a 2026 Mazda operated by Derrick D. Panton, 29, of Rockaway, New York, was traveling north on Route 209 when it crossed into the southbound lane while negotiating a curve and struck a 2023 Honda head-on.

The Honda was operated by Norbert Rakoczy, 36, of Flemington, New Jersey.

Panton and his 27-year-old female passenger had to be extricated from the Mazda following the crash.

Panton was taken to Westchester Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. His passenger was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown and was listed in critical condition.

Rakoczy was also transported to Garnet Health Medical Center and was listed in stable condition.

The investigation remains ongoing.

State police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Wurtsboro at 845-344-5300.

Image Credit: New York State Police