Update to car-truck fatality
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports updated information regarding the car-truck fatal crash on Route 44 in Washington during the morning of 12-5-15.
The identities of all involved as well as vehicle information is as follows:
1. Car
- 2006 BMW X5
- Driver – Edward G. Allen, age 32 of Millbrook NY
- Passengers – Codie Allen (age 3) and Tatum Allen (age 1)
2. Truck
- 2003 International dump truck, registered to Bulldog Concrete of Poughquag NY
- Driver/sole occupant – Richard Colesanti, age 47 of Hopewell Junction NY
Mr. Allen was pronounced dead at the scene and the children, one of which has suffered life-threatening injuries, are both being treated at Westchester Medical Center. Mr. Colesanti was uninjured in the crash.
Further investigation has revealed that the car crossed over the center pavement markings into the path of the truck, at which time it was struck head-on and pushed off the roadway. The truck then overturned in the roadway, spilling its entire load of gravel. At this time driver distraction on the part of Mr. Allen is thought to be the primary factor in the crash, however the investigation is continuing and all possible causes/contributing factors will be evaluated. At this time cell phone use is not believed to be the distraction. The roadway has been reopened, and further information may be released at a later time as the investigation progresses.
