CANAAN–Four people were hurt in a two-vehicle crash on State Route 22 at the State Route 295 intersection September 25 at 8:43 p.m.
Robert Meehan, 72, of Chatham was driving a 2001 GMC Sierra Pickup truck west on Route 295.
Witnesses told investigating sheriff’s deputies that a 2008 Pontiac Vibe, driven by Lars Haas, 17, of New Lebanon was northbound on Route 22, when he failed to stop for a red traffic light and crashed in the side of Mr. Meehan’s vehicle.
Mr. Meehan, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle.
Both vehicles came to rest in the parking lot of the Bar-Ken Service Center, Sheriff David W. Harrison Jr. reported in a press release.
Lars and his two passengers, Michael Hotaling, 16, of East Nassau and Alesha O’Dell, 17, of Old Chatham, were extricated from the vehicle by Canaan, New Lebanon and East Chatham firefighters.
Lars and Michael, who was the front seat passenger, were wearing seatbelts. Alesha, who was in the back seat, was not.
A helicopter airlifted Mr. Meehan to the Albany Medical Center, where he was initially listed in critical but stable condition in the ICU.
The Lebanon Valley Protective Association and the Chatham Rescue Squad took Lars, Michael and Alesha to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.
Alesha was later airlifted to Albany Medical Center for treatment of serious internal injuries. County Ambulance from Massachusetts also assisted at the scene.
Assisting Deputy Todd Hyson with the investigation at the accident scene were Sergeant William Zincio, Deputy David Rose, Senior Investigator Kevin Skype and Investigator Patrick Logue. Deputies William Dunspaugh and Brendan Filli responded with the Sheriff’s Office Incident Scene Investigation Unit.
Alcoholic beverage containers were found in the Haas vehicle. No charges have yet been filed. An investigation is continuing into the involvement of alcohol and/or drugs as contributing factors in the accident and potential charges.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@ColumbiaPaper.com