Clinton Man Killed in Rhinebeck Crash
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a two-vehicle fatal crash which occurred on Slate Quarry Road in the Town of Rhinebeck at approximately 1:15 pm on 1/3/18.
On the above date and time Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Slate Quarry Road near White School House Road for a report of an auto accident, and upon arrival observed one person trapped in a vehicle with life-threatening injuries. Further investigation revealed that a 2014 Honda CRV driven by Francis J. Scelta (age 77 of Clinton Corners) was traveling eastbound on Slate Quarry Rd when it crossed over the center pavement markings and struck a westbound 2004 International truck driven by William Mitchell (age 59 of Pawling). The truck is a propane delivery truck owned by Petro Home Services of Poughkeepsie, and although no propane leaked from it a small amount of diesel fuel did leak from its fuel tanks. Mr. Mitchell was uninjured, Mr. Scelta was pronounced dead at the scene, and Slate Quarry Road was closed for approximately 5 hours for investigation and Hazmat cleanup.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Dutchess County Medical Examiner, the New York State Police, the Town of Rhinebeck Fire Department, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The cause(s) of the crash and why Mr. Scelta’s vehicle crossed over are still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, and more information may be released as it becomes available.
On the above date and time Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Slate Quarry Road near White School House Road for a report of an auto accident, and upon arrival observed one person trapped in a vehicle with life-threatening injuries. Further investigation revealed that a 2014 Honda CRV driven by Francis J. Scelta (age 77 of Clinton Corners) was traveling eastbound on Slate Quarry Rd when it crossed over the center pavement markings and struck a westbound 2004 International truck driven by William Mitchell (age 59 of Pawling). The truck is a propane delivery truck owned by Petro Home Services of Poughkeepsie, and although no propane leaked from it a small amount of diesel fuel did leak from its fuel tanks. Mr. Mitchell was uninjured, Mr. Scelta was pronounced dead at the scene, and Slate Quarry Road was closed for approximately 5 hours for investigation and Hazmat cleanup.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Dutchess County Medical Examiner, the New York State Police, the Town of Rhinebeck Fire Department, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The cause(s) of the crash and why Mr. Scelta’s vehicle crossed over are still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, and more information may be released as it becomes available.
