A 40-year-old man was killed Monday afternoon after his car crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with another vehicle on Military Turnpike in Altona, New York. A 9-month-old baby was riding in his car when the deadly crash happened, while three other people were injured.
The victim was identified as William Conway, of Ellenburg Depot. According to New York State Police, the collision happened around 3:15 p.m. Monday as Conway was traveling north in a red Nissan Altima with the infant passenger.
Investigators said Conway entered the southbound lane while attempting to pass another vehicle. During the maneuver, his Nissan collided head-on with a tan Chevrolet Equinox traveling in the opposite direction.
The impact left Conway trapped inside the wreckage. Emergency crews had to remove him from the vehicle before first responders began life-saving efforts. Despite their attempts, Conway died at the scene. The Clinton County Coroner later pronounced him dead.
A 9-month-old boy traveling with Conway was also caught up in the crash. The baby was taken to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh for medical evaluation. His injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The Chevrolet Equinox was driven by 70-year-old Denise Patnode of Chateaugay. Her passenger, 66-year-old Donna Dumas, was also from Chateaugay. Both women were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Firefighters and rescue workers from Ellenburg, Altona, Clinton and Morrisonville responded to the scene. Their crews worked alongside other emergency personnel to assist the injured and deal with the wreckage.
State police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators have not released further details about the vehicle Conway was attempting to pass before entering the opposite lane.
For Conway’s family and those who knew him, Monday’s crash ended in a loss that cannot be undone. What began as an ordinary afternoon drive ended with one man dead, a baby injured and two other people needing hospital treatment.