Kentucky Man Killed In Horrific Route 22 Accident
By Doug La Rocque
The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department said a dump truck, northbound on NY State Route 22, struck a man walking his dog in the same direction, about 10 am on Monday, December 30, killing both.
The victim is identified as 52-year old Michael French of Louisville, KY. The Department said Mr. French was in Berlin visiting family for the holidays. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the RCSD, the truck driver, for a reason still undetermined, veered off the side of the road, striking a guardrail and then Mr. French. They do say that there is no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the mishap, which as of press time remains under investigation. As is required after such accidents, the New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit was called in to do a thorough inspection of the truck. The results of that inspection are not yet available. No charges have been brought against the driver of the vehicle at this time, who deputies say, stopped and is cooperating with authorities.
The accident occurred just south of the Petersburgh town line, near Dale Road. According to RCSD, the road at the time was wet but not icy. Route 22 was closed in both directions for several hours. The Berlin Fire Department, Mohawk Ambulance and NYS DOT personnel also assisted Deputies at the scene.