State Police have released additional details about a fatal two-vehicle crash in Yates County that claimed the life of a Penn Yan man last week.
The crash happened at approximately 11:39 a.m. last Friday on State Route 54 in the Town of Torrey. According to investigators, a 1999 White Sterling dump truck operated by 38-year-old Christopher Newcomb of Penn Yan was traveling east when it encountered a vehicle ahead attempting to make a left turn. State Police said the dump truck braked abruptly as it approached the turning vehicle. Investigators determined the driver of the turning vehicle accelerated and avoided a collision, but the dump truck was unable to remain in its lane. The truck crossed into the westbound lane and collided head-on with an oncoming 2015 Chevrolet Silverado.
The driver and sole occupant of the Silverado, 59-year-old Bruce Rugg of Penn Yan, was pronounced dead at the scene.
State Police said Newcomb was ejected from the dump truck during the crash. He was initially transported to Geneva General Hospital before being flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Authorities said he suffered non-life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalized.
Investigators also reported that Newcomb submitted to a preliminary breath test, which yielded negative results.
Members of the State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit assisted with the investigation.
