Thruway worker killed on the job identified; second worker in guarded condition
CHILI, N.Y. — The Thruway Authority maintenance worker killed while setting up a work zone Thursday has been identified.
Sixty-two-year-old Vincent J. Giammarva was pronounced dead at the scene. Fifty-eight-year-old Mark Vara from Scottsville was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by CHS Ambulance. As of Friday afternoon, he remains in guarded condition.
State Police say the workers were struck by a tractor trailer heading east at 12:26 p.m. Thursday on the Thruway in Chili, at a work zone.
The crash and its cause are still under investigation, and State Police say there are no charges at this time. Trooper Lynne Crane says they ruled out impaired driving.
Governor Kathy Hochul released the following statement on the crash:
“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.”
The NYS Thruway Authority released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
“Earlier today, one of our dedicated Thruway Authority colleagues lost his life when he was struck by a tractor trailer while setting up a work zone on I-90 near Henrietta. Another colleague was also hit and sustained serious injuries. 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.
New York State Police are investigating the crash.
The entire Thruway family is in mourning and our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of everyone involved.“
The lanes will be blocked of for a few hours as New York State Police investigate the crash. This is a developing story.