A truck driver was killed when his rig crashed and plummeted down an embankment off of I-86 in Corning, New York. It happened on Thursday at around 8:30 a.m. near the Baker Street Extension.
According to a police investigation, the semi truck was traveling westbound on I-86 near Exit 46 when it veered off the right side of the roadway, became airborne, and flew 60 feet down an embankment.
Resident Sue Padgett said her husband tried to save the trucker’s life but that he couldn’t open the jammed door.
WENY reported that the driver, 43-year-old Eric C. Hoffman of Highland, Indiana died at the scene of the crash.
The truck was hauling fiberglass insulation. Hazmat arrived to clear the truck’s fuel tanks. Police indicated that there no environmental hazard was posed.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash. Lieutenant Kenzie Spaulding with the Corning Police Department stated,
“At this point, we don’t know what caused him to travel over the embankment. It’s still unclear at this time. We’re still working on the investigation part of the accident and we really have no indication what caused him to travel off the roadway.”
The roadside where the crash took place does not have safety wires or a guardrail. Police have notified the Department of Transportation.
