A Jewish resident of Monsey was tragically killed and another man was seriously injured in a small plane crash on Thursday night.
The plane, a two-seater propeller aircraft, had taken off from Linden, NJ, when it crashed onto Interstate 684 near Exit 2 in Harrison, New York, just short of the Westchester Airport.
Troopers responded to reports of the crash at approximately 7 p.m. There were two individuals aboard the plane at the time of the incident.
The victim was identified as Yankel (Yaakov) Friedman Z”L, from Monsey. He was 32 years old.
The second individual on the plane was taken to Westchester County Hospital. Despite multiple messages on WhatsApp claiming he is in critical condition, he is stable and talking to authorities as well as his family members.
Data from FlightRadar24 shows that the aircraft took off in Linden NJ, and traveled up the Hudson River. For reasons still unknown, the pilot issued a “mayday” call while still over the Hudson.
Misaskim was on the scene ensuring proper Kavod Haniftar. Among those on the scene working tirelessly since the incident began was Yossi Margareten from Misaskim and Chaveirim of Rockland, Hershy Margareten Liaison to the Rockland County Sheriff Department, Rabbi Matis Melnik Police Chaplain, and Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco.
Boruch Dayan HaEmmes…
UPDATE: The Levaya of Yankel (Yaakov) Friedman Z”L who was tragically killed in a plane crash on Thursday evening, will take place at 10:30AM at Ateres Charna located at 790 North Main Street, Spring Valley. The kevura will take place in Eretz Yisroel.
Levaya details?