UNION VALE, N.Y. — The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal commercial vehicle crash that occurred Thursday afternoon on Wingdale Mountain Road in the Town of Union Vale.
According to preliminary findings, a 2007 Freightliner box truck traveling westbound lost control while descending a steep hill around 2:55 p.m., veering off the roadway and striking multiple trees. The truck was being driven by Ronald Argenis-Rivera, 32, of Elizabeth, N.J., with Mario Ernesto-Hernandez, 38, also of Elizabeth, riding in the front passenger seat.
Ernesto-Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene. Argenis-Rivera was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
The truck, which was carrying furniture at the time of the incident, is registered to Hernandez-Torres LLC of Elizabeth, N.J. Investigators believe brake failure was the primary contributing factor in the crash, though the final determination is pending.
Road closure and ongoing investigation
Following the crash, authorities closed Wingdale Mountain Road near Clove Valley Road for about four hours to conduct the on-site investigation. The Dutchess County Medical Examiner, New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, and the Town of Union Vale Fire Department all assisted at the scene.
The Sheriff’s Office’s Detective Bureau and Crash Investigation Unit continue to investigate, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
A 38-year-old New Jersey man died at the scene after a furniture-laden truck crashed off a steep Dutchess County road.
