ALBANY—Just weeks after recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week in New York State (April 15-19), an accident at an upstate work site claimed the life of one New York State Thruway Authority worker and seriously injured another.

On Thurs., May 9, New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare announced that one Thruway Authority worker,  Vincent “Vinny” Giammarva, lost his life when he was struck by a tractor trailer while setting up a work zone on I-90 near Henrietta, NY. Another colleague was also hit and sustained serious injuries. The New York State Police are investigating the crash.

“Our Maintenance employees embody the heart and soul of this organization. Roadside workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road,” he said. “The entire Thruway family is in mourning and our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of everyone involved.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also released a statement on the tragic accident, saying: “Earlier today, a Thruway Authority maintenance worker lost his life while setting up a work zone on the I-90 in Henrietta. Another was injured in the same incident and remains in serious condition. We are heartbroken over this senseless death, praying for the recovery of the injured worker and grateful to first responders who sprang into action to support their fellow public servants. This incident is a tragic reminder: responsible driving is a life-saving skill, and all New Yorkers should remain alert, slow down and move over when approaching a work zone or stopped vehicle.”

According to RochesterFirst.com, the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. when a tractor-trailer operated by a 64-year-old man struck two New York State Thruway Authority workers in a work zone.

New York State Troopers said a 62-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and a 58-year-old man was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in critical condition. New York State Trooper Lynnea Crane said that drugs and alcohol were ruled out as a factor in the crash and that no charges had been filed.

“This is obviously a tragedy and it could have been prevented if we were all just paying attention and slowing down,” said Trooper Crane.

In connection with Work Zone Awareness Week, state transportation officials noted that the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program operated by the NYSDOT and the Thruway Authority will continue this construction season as will “Operation Hardhat,” a work zone enforcement program carried out by state and local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the State Department of Transportation will be launching a public awareness campaign on social media to raise awareness of the dangers highway workers face every day in work zones.