TORREY, NY — State Police have released more information about a deadly two-vehicle crash in Yates County that left one Penn Yan man dead and sent another to a Rochester hospital.
The collision happened around 11:39 a.m. last Friday on State Route 54 in the Town of Torrey. Investigators say a dump truck traveling east braked hard after approaching a vehicle in front of it that was preparing to turn left.
What did investigators say happened on Route 54?
According to State Police, the driver of the turning vehicle accelerated and avoided a crash, but the dump truck could not stay in its lane. It crossed the center line into westbound traffic and struck an oncoming Chevrolet Silverado head-on.
The truck was a 1999 white Sterling dump truck, and the Silverado was a 2015 model. Police said the sequence of events is still being reviewed by crash reconstruction specialists.
Who was killed in the crash?
The driver and only occupant of the Silverado, 59-year-old Bruce Rugg of Penn Yan, was pronounced dead at the scene.
State Police identified the dump truck driver as 38-year-old Christopher Newcomb of Penn Yan. Authorities said he was ejected during the crash.
What is known about the injured driver?
Newcomb was first taken to Geneva General Hospital and later flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Police said he suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and remains hospitalized.
Investigators also said he took a preliminary breath test that came back negative.
What agencies are involved in the investigation?
Members of the State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit assisted with the case.
Police have not said whether charges are being considered. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
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