One Person Dead; Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Closed

Ed. note: This is a developing news story that is being updated as more information is made available.

Update (5/8/2015, 5:39 p.m.): According to a source who asked to remain anonymous, there have been no reported prison escapees, as previously noted in this article. This source instead confirms the death of an armed man who engaged in a standoff with police on Route 9D in Chelsea. Eyewitnesses in Beacon continued to report heavy police activity and low-flying helicopters over residential areas.

Heavy police activity on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Thursday afternoon caused closures in that section of Interstate 84, according to a New York State Department of Transportation alert released at 4:10 p.m.

The closure, which could last up to six hours, affected Route 9D near exit 11 in the city of Beacon and exit 10 in Newburgh. Eastbound traffic was being diverted off Exit 11 at Route 9D, while westbound traffic was being diverted off Exit 12 at Route 52. Police are reporting that the roads have been reopened, though eyewitnesses claim the bridge is still closed.

According to Mid-Hudson News, one person was reported dead in an incident involving a standoff with police.

An earlier version of this story erroneously reported the possibility that two inmates from a local prison had escaped, with one escapee on the loose. However, those reports were confirmed as untrue.

Check back for updates as more information is reported and confirmed.