SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES SERIOUS TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT
Ghent, NY- Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that this morning at approximately 8:50am, Columbia County 911 dispatched Sheriff’s Deputies to a two vehicle personal injury accident on State Route 66, just south of Tipple Road in the Town of Ghent.
Deputies found that a 2003 Saab four door sedan, operated by 25 year old Rosa Acheson of Chatham NY, was traveling southbound on State Route 66 and swerved to try and avoid a small animal in the roadway. The Saab crossed the centerline into the northbound lane and struck a 1995 Toyota Celica convertible head on. The Toyota Celica was operated by 40 year old Yosef Lewis of Hudson NY, who sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Mr. Lewis was tended to by Greenport Rescue Squad and transported to the Columbia County Airport, where West Ghent Fire Company set up a landing zone. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center by LifeNet 71.
Ms. Acheson was transported by Greenport Rescue Squad to Columbia Memorial Hospital for chest pain. There were no passengers in either vehicle.
The accident is still under investigation by Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Investigators, and the Sheriff’s Accident/Investigation Unit. State Route 66, between Whittier Way and Tipple Road, was closed until about 11:30am due to the investigation.
Greenport Rescue Squad, West Ghent Fire Company, and Ghent Fire Company assisted at the scene.
Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office are Sheriff David Bartlett, Undersheriff John Davi, Captain John DeRocha, Senior Investigator Kevin Skype, Investigator Anthony Brahm, Investigator Reagan Anderson, Sergeant Jeff Hofstetter, Deputy Peter Merante, and Deputy Jordan Brahm.