New York State Police are investigating a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Monday, December 16, 2013 on I-90 of the New York State Thruway that left a State Trooper in critical condition and the driver of a second vehicle in fair condition.
The accident happened shortly after 8 pm Monday night in Amsterdam at Exit 27. Trooper David W. Cunniff was conducting a traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer.
The tractor trailer driven by Gary Blakley, 65 of Ontario was traveling eastbound in the right lane and drove off the roadway for an unknown reason, striking the two vehicles at the traffic stop.
Trooper Cunniff was in his patrol car at the time with emergency lights activated. A passenger vehicle operated by Eric Heller, 57, of Stony Creek, NY was stopped on the right shoulder. Mr. Heller was sitting in his vehicle during the traffic stop.
The impact forced Trooper Cunniff’s car off the right shoulder partially ejecting him from the vehicle. Trooper Cunniff was airlifted to Albany Medical Center.
The tractor trailer continued on, striking Mr. Heller’s car, trapping Mr. Heller in his vehicle. He had to be extricated by the Amsterdam Fire Department. Mr. Heller was conscious and responsive and transported by ambulance to Albany Medical Center where his is listed in fair condition.
The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured. The tractor trailer is registed in Ontario and was hauling insulation.
The investigation is continuing.
Trooper Cunniff is a 9 year verteran of the New York State Police assigned to Troop T Fultonville.
