Worker was struck and killed while working on New York’s freeway, and another was seriously injured

CHILI, NY (WHAM) — Police say a tractor-trailer struck two New York State Thruway Authority workers on Interstate 90, killing one and seriously injuring the other.

The workers were in a work area when they were hit just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday. According to police, a 62-year-old man was killed, while a 58-year-old man was injured and taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

“Our maintenance workers embody the heart and soul of this organization,” Frank Hoare, executive director of the Thruway Authority, said in a statement. “Road workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of every driver on the road.”

New York State Police Trooper Lynnea Crane said no charges have been filed and impairment has been ruled out, but the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Any time you see a vehicle on the side of the road, be it a worker or another person, please slow down and pull over,” Crane said. “We can’t ask people enough – pay attention, put your phones away.” Look at your surroundings. This is obviously a tragedy and it could have been prevented if we all paid attention and slowed down.

Eastbound traffic on the expressway was rerouted at Exit 47 in LeRoy, with eastbound lanes closed from there to Exit 46 in Henrietta.