A small twin-engine plane made an emergency landing on the New York State Thruway near the Exit 23 northbound off-ramp in Albany on Friday, resulting in no serious injuries, State Police said.

The plane experienced "mechanical issues" as it made its way to Albany airport from South Carolina, forcing its pilot to land at around 12:42 p.m., New York State Police Major Andre Ray said.

While the pilot and the plane's two passengers were a little shaken up, they refused medial treatment at the scene, Ray said, clarifying an initial report they suffered minor injuries and likening the outcome to a "miracle" ahead of the holiday. 

"This is very unique for a plane to land on the Thruway successfully, not striking any vehicles, and no one being injured," Ray said at a news conference Friday afternoon.  

Responders had removed the plane from the shoulder of the road, and the right lane reopened to traffic just before dusk, police said.