Serious 2-Car Crash Sends Drivers To Hospitals

LAGRANGE, NY — A two-car crash the morning of April 24 is being investigated by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. The crash occurred around 7:20 a.m. on Noxon Road near Vincent Road in the Town of LaGrange.

The preliminary investigation found that a 1994 Chevrolet pickup driven by Matthew V. Amicucci, 20, of LaGrange, was traveling west on Noxon Road when it crossed over the center pavement markings and struck an eastbound 2011 Ford Edge operated by Brenda V. Swatek, 45, of Wappingers Falls.

The pickup caught fire immediately after impact, and the Ford left the roadway and went into a nearby pond. It became partially submerged.

Amicucci was extricated after the fire was extinguished and taken by helicopter to Westchester Medical Center.

Swatek had been removed from her vehicle prior to fire department arrival and was taken to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital by ambulance.

They were the only occupants of their vehicles and both suffered significant injuries, with Amicucci’s being life-threatening.

The sheriff’s office said the road was closed for about 3-1/2 hours and was reopened just before 11 a.m.

Deputies, state troopers and firefighters were all on the scene within moments after the accident happened and worked 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 taken for treatment for exposure to the chemical in the extinguishers.

The sheriff’s office said had it not been for the quick actions of the professionals the outcome may have been very different and they should be commended for the excellent job they did during a serious situation.

The sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by the State Plice and Town of LaGrange Fire Department.

The investigation is continuing, and no charges have been filed at this time.

More information may be released as it becomes available, the sheriff’s office said.

Photo credit: Google Maps.