Loading Dock Accident Kills 1 In Columbia County

GERMANTOWN, NY — An accident at a biosciences firm in Columbia County resulted in the death of one man. The New York State Police said troopers were called around 12:45 p.m. Friday to Taconic Biosciences on Hover Avenue in the town of Germantown for a serious accident.

Germantown Fire Department and Northern Dutchess Paramedics were already at the location assisting the victim, Matthew T. Austin, 25, of Millbury, Massachusetts, who was airlifted to Albany Medical Center by LifeNet.

Austin died of his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police said the investigation found Austin was helping his co-driver, both employees of BioTrans, load a 2020 Freightliner tractor-trailer at the Taconic Biosciences loading dock.

The tractor-trailer rolled backward for unknown reasons pinning Austin between the trailer and the loading dock.

Authorities said the investigation and the contributing factors remain ongoing.

Taconic Biosciences generates and distributes genetically engineered mice and rats, according to the company's website.

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