On July 17, 2017 at approximately 12:42 p.m., New York State Police from the East Fishkill barracks were dispatched to a five-car personal injury auto collision that occurred on Interstate 84 westbound in the area of exit 20.
An investigation indicates that Nancy A. Scott, age 64, of Carmel, New York, was traveling westbound on I-84 and failed to observe the vehicles in front of her slowing down for traffic. Scott struck the rear of a Toyota Avalon, operated by Linda Laboy, age 64, of Danbury, Connecticut. Laboy’s vehicle subsequently struck the rear of a BMW operated by Elizabeth Draus, age 53, of Amsterdam, NY. Draus’ vehicle rear-ended a Jeep Wrangler operated by Gregory J. Chiovitti, age 60, of Thomaston, CT. As a result, Chiovitti’s vehicle struck the rear of an International Harvester operated by Ricky Hartung, age 54, of Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania.
Laboy’s passengers, 96-year-old John Patton and Lois R. McKee, 67 years old, of Danbury, Connecticut, suffered from serious injuries and were transported to Danbury Hospital. David R. Patton, age 65, was transported to Westchester Medical Center via LifeNet with life-threatening injuries. Laboy was transported to Danbury Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Hartung, the sole occupant of the tractor trailer was not injured. Chiovitti and Draus reported minor injuries and refused further medical attention.
The roadway was closed for several hours while the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit reconstructed the crash. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit also responded to the scene.
Also at the scene of the crash were members Brewster Fire Department, Emstar Ambulance, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.