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Fred Stabbert III | Democrat
Emergency crews were on the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident on County Route 115 in Cochecton yesterday. The white Hyundai Elantra apparently lost control on the slippery roadway and crossed the center divide, where it was struck by a westbound truck. The passenger, a male, died instantly. The driver’s injuries, at press time, were said to be non-life-threatening.
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Amidst surprise snow, accidents claim two
By Dan Hust
SULLIVAN COUNTY — Up to half a foot of snow fell on Sullivan County early yesterday, and the results were lethal for atleast one.
The first full day of spring featured a larger-than-expected snowstorm, closing several local school districts but catching many drivers by surprise.
“We had six MVAs [Motor Vehicle Accidents] since 9 a.m. today,” said Albee Bockman, CEO of the Hurleyville-based MobileMedic ambulance service, around 3 p.m. yesterday. “That’s above average.”
While most incidents were fender-benders, in Cochecton Center, the slushy conditions apparently led to a fatal accident.
According to Sheriff’s Office Patrol Chief Art Hawker, a 2007 Hyundai Elantra slid into the path of an oncoming 2007 GMC pickup while travelling east on County Route 115 mid-morning.
The pickup, driven by 45-year-old Gerald Broskin of White Lake, “T-boned” the Elantra as it crossed into his lane, police said.
The Elantra was driven by 65-year-old Richard Willis of Carbondale, PA.
Both vehicles slid off the side of the road, said Hawker.
The impact apparently killed the car’s passenger, 71-year-old Joseph Roskosky of Carbondale, PA, and injured the driver, while the truck’s driver was unharmed, Hawker related.
Roskosky was being taken to a doctor’s appointment, said Hawker, who related that both men in the Elantra had longtime ties to the former Concord Hotel.
Willis was taken to Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris for treatment of what Hawker said were non-life-threatening injuries. Bockman agreed, saying Willis had some chest trauma as a result of the accident.
“It’s apparent Mr. Willis lost control of his vehicle,” said Hawker.
As of press time, no tickets had been issued, but Hawker anticipates some traffic violation charges to be filed pending the outcome of the investigation.
In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, the State Police, Lake Huntington-Cochecton Fire Department, White Lake FD, Narrowsburg FD, MobileMedic, Catskill Regional Ambulance and Tusten Ambulance Corps responded to the scene.
Another fatal accident
In Liberty, a passenger died before dawn on Ahrens Road, not far from the village.
According to New York State Police, 19-year-old Joshua Brown, died as a result of the single-car accident shortly after 1:30 a.m. Weather may not have been a factor, however.
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