Police Investigating Fatal 2-Car Collision In Orange County

CONGERS, NY — A Congers man was killed Sunday in Orange County in a two-car collision and his passenger was severely injured. State Police said the crash occurred on State Route 17 in the Town of Chester.

A Ford F250 pickup was getting on to Route 17 eastbound from Exit 126. Police said that the truck began to speed up in the driving lane in an attempt to pass a vehicle in the passing lane.

As the truck began to move into the passing lane, it struck the rear of a Toyota Rav 4.

The pickup lost control and left the right side of the roadway and rolled down an embankment. Its two occupants were ejected.

The driver — Steven Dauksza, 27, of Congers — was found by troopers who immediately began to administer first aid.

EMS personnel arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene.

Michelle Rodriguez, 27, also of Congers, was the passenger. She was taken to Orange Regional Medical Center with chest and pelvic injuries.

Rodriguez is in critical but stable condition.

Police said the investigation of the collision is ongoing.

Image via Shutterstock.