HENRIETTA, N.Y. — One New York State Thruway Authority maintenance worker died and another was struck while setting up a work zone Thursday afternoon in Henrietta, outside of Rochester.
New York State Police said a 62-year-old man was declared dead at the scene. Another victim, a 58-year-old man, remains at Strong Memorial Hospital on Thursday night and is listed in critical condition.
State Police said they've ruled out impairment from drugs or alcohol, and that the cause of the crash is under investigation.
"Anywhere you see a vehicle on the side of the roadway, whether it's a worker of or any person, please slow down, please move over," Lynnea Crane, the Troop E Public Information Officer, said Thursday.
"We can't ask people enough: Pay attention, put your phones down, and look at your surroundings. This is obviously a tragedy, and it could have been prevented if we were all just paying attention and slowing down."
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement Thursday afternoon, urging people to drive responsibly.
"Earlier today, a Thruway Authority maintenance worker lost his life while setting up a work zone on the I-90 in Henrietta. Another was injured in the same incident and remains in serious condition," she said.
"We are heartbroken over this senseless death, praying for the recovery of the injured worker and grateful to first responders who sprang into action to support their fellow public servants. This incident is a tragic reminder: responsible driving is a life-saving skill, and all New Yorkers should remain alert, slow down and move over when approaching a work zone or stopped vehicle."
The crash happened sometime around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, according to NITTEC. The eastbound lanes of the Thruway beyond Exit 47 were closed shortly afterward, and did not reopen until around 5:30 p.m.
Thruway Authority executive director Frank Hoare issued a statement as well, saying the workers were struck by a tractor-trailer.
"Our Maintenance employees embody the heart and soul of this organization. Roadside workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road," he said. "New York State Police are investigating the crash. The entire Thruway family is in mourning and our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of everyone involved."
Back on March 27, the state's "Move Over" law was expanded. It states that drivers must pull over as soon as they see lights, vests, or reflectors. Extra care is required when approaching an emergency vehicle or a hazard vehicle, a provision that includes police, fire trucks, ambulances, construction, maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks.
The Move Over law started in 2010 as a way to help prevent collisions with emergency vehicles that were stopped on the roadway.
Governor Hochul's office said earlier this year that between 2016 and 2020, 37 people had been killed outside of disabled vehicles across the state. Nationally, nearly 300 people are struck and killed on roads annually.
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