Troopers Rescue Elderly Couple From Burning Motor Home

CATSKILL, NY — NY State Troopers helped rescue an elderly couple Thursday whose motor home was engulfed in flames on the Thruway near Catskill.

On December 28, 2023, shortly before 3:00 p.m., State Police were dispatched to a vehicle fire involving a motor home on the right shoulder of I-87 in the town of Catskill.  The 2005 Allegro Motor Home which was towing a 2018 Jeep, had experienced a mechanical failure causing it to become fully engulfed in flames in excess of 20 feet, in the area of mile marker 107.6 southbound.  The vehicle’s location and close proximity to the guide rail blocked the door to the motor home, preventing the two elderly occupants from escaping.

Without any regard for their own safety, the Troopers were able to break the window out of the door using their issued baton and pulled the couple and their family pets to safety through the window.  The driver, Raymond J. Hanas, 82, and passenger, Patricia A. Grabley, 81, both of Lake George, NY, luckily only suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation.  They were evaluated by EMS at the scene and declined further medical treatment. Local firefighters helped put out the fire on the motor home which was destroyed.

The quick actions of the State Troopers undoubtedly saved the lives of this family, preventing a tragic ending, giving them a chance to celebrate the upcoming New Year.