Worker dies in Thruway accident
HANOVER — New York State Police are investigating an accident that occurred on Interstate 90 that claimed the life of a State Thruway maintenance worker.
Before 8 a.m. Monday near Thruway exit 58 of Silver Creek and Irving, the worker was struck by a motor vehicle at mile marker 455.2 in the westbound direction near the Buffalo Road overpass. County EMS, Irving Fire Department, Silver Creek Fire Department and law enforcement responded. A coroner also was called to the scene.
At 8:15 a.m., the Thruway reported lanes between Exit 57A and 58 were blocked. Later in the morning, the westbound lanes were closed from Hamburg at Exit 57 to Silver Creek. Those lanes have since reopened.
New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the New York State Thruway Authority are assisting in this investigation.
“We are heartbroken over the devastating death of a dedicated public servant, and my prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow co-workers during this difficult time,” state Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement Monday afternoon. “Roadside workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road and they deserve our utmost attention at all times. This is the second fatality involving a Thruway maintenance worker this year and it is a serious reminder to slow down, safely move over and be alert for all vehicles stopped on the side of the road.”
More information will be released as the investigation continues, troopers said.