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The crash, which occurred around 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, sent one vehicle into the water and caused the second to catch fire, said Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Capt. John Watterson.
According to Watterson, an investigation into the crash revealed that a 1994 Chevrolet pickup driven by Matthew V. Amicucci, 29, of LaGrange, was traveling westbound on Noxon Road when it crossed over the center pavement markings and struck an eastbound 2011 Ford Edge operated by Brenda V. Swatek, 45, of Wappingers Falls.
Immediately after the impact, the pickup caught fire in the roadway, and the Ford exited the roadway into a nearby pond and became partially submerged, Watterson said.
Amicucci was extricated after the fire was extinguished and was transported by helicopter to Westchester Medical Center, Swatek had been removed from her vehicle prior to fire department arrival and was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital via ambulance, he added.
Both were the only occupants of their vehicles, and both suffered significant injuries with Amicucci’s being life-threatening, Watterson said.
Deputies, state police, and firefighters were all on the scene within moments after the accident occurred and quickly worked together to subdue the fire with fire extinguishers until the arrival of fire apparatus.
As a result, a deputy, a trooper, and a firefighter were all transported and treated for exposure to the chemical contained in the extinguishers.
"Had it not been for the quick actions of these professionals the outcome may have been very different, and they should be commended for the excellent job they did during a very serious situation," Watterson said.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police and Town of LaGrange Fire Department.
The investigation is continuing by members of the Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, no charges have been filed at this time.
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