Serious LaGrange crash under investigation

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a two-car serious crash which occurred on Noxon Road near Vincent Road in the Town of LaGrange at approximately 7:20 am on 4/24/18.

Preliminary investigation has shown that a 1994 Chevrolet pickup operated by Matthew V. Amicucci (age 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 (age 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. Mr. Amicucci was extricated after the fire was extinguished and was transported by helicopter to Westchester Medical Center, and Ms. Swatek had been removed from her vehicle prior to fire department arrival and was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital via ambulance. Both were the only occupants of their respective vehicles, and both suffered significant injuries with Mr. Amicucci’s being life-threatening. The road was closed for approximately 3 ½ hours for investigation, and was re-opened just before 11 am.

Deputies, Troopers, 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.

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, and more information may be released as it becomes available.