TRR photo by Tom Kane Following an early-morning June 28 crash that claimed the life of the driver, a tractor-trailer rests on its side in the Callicoon Creek. (Click for larger image)

Tractor-trailer crash claims life

By TOM KANE

KENOZA LAKE — A Pennsylvania man was killed on June 28 when his 18-wheel tractor-trailer swerved off a winding section of Route 52A and flipped down an embankment into Callicoon Creek. The accident occurred around 6:00 a.m. The truck crashed through the safety cables that lined the road and came to rest in the shallow waters of the creek.

The driver, Richard J. Dunleavy, 44, of Schuylkill Haven, PA was pronounced dead at Grover M. Hermann Hospital in Callicoon.

“It looks like he was ejected from the truck and dragged down with it,” said Sergeant Brian Van Houten of the New York State police, who investigated the accident.

Dunleavy was pinned under the cab, Van Houten said. He was freed by the Jeffersonville Fire Company’s Jaws of Life.

The Jeffersonville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Kenoza Lake Fire Company and Mobile Medic also responded at the scene.

The truck, which is owned by Associated Logistics, Inc of Robesonia, PA and had a ShurFine emblem on its side, was enroute to Peck’s Market in Jeffersonville delivering groceries.

“Someone called the accident into 911,” said New York State Trooper Thomas Loewke. “We don’t know who it was.”

The wrecked truck dumped diesel fuel and oil into the creek.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) police arrived at the site and called Luzon Spill Specialists from Woodridge. The specialists arrived at the site later in the morning and began spreading special flotation devices across the creek that would absorb any fuel.

No reason was given for the accident, but troopers at the scene said the fog was heavy and the sight distance poor.

“It’s still under investigation,” Van Houten said.